Creative Artists Agency, the Hollywood talent representation giant who has expanded its reach into podcasting during the past several years, has sold a majority stake to Artémis, a French investment firm whose holdings also include several luxury fashion brands. No financial details are being released, but the deal reportedly values CAA at $7 billion. Since 2014, the private equity firm TPG has held a majority stake in CAA.
“CAA’s exceptional insight, relationships, and access across key sectors, combined with their widely regarded level of collaboration and innovation, gives the company a formidable role in driving global opportunities for its diverse and culture-defining clients. We look forward to supporting the agency’s very bright path ahead,” Artémis CEO François Pinault said. In a statement, he said it will also bring increased diversity, both in terms of geographical footprint and business activities, to their other assets.
The management team at CAA is expected to remain in place, led by co-Chairmen Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane, and Richard Lovett. Once the deal is finalized, Lourd will also take on the CEO role while Jim Burtson will remain President of CAA. Josh Lindgren, who has been with CAA since 2018, has led its podcast department since 2021.
The move comes a year after CAA bought rival ICM Partners and merged the two operations. CAA has been focused on expenses in recent months. Last month it laid off 60 employees.