Artémis Acquires Majority Stake in CAA: A Strategic Move in Entertainment and Sports
Artémis, the investment firm backed by the influential Pinault family, has made a significant acquisition by obtaining a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency (CAA). This major stake was previously held by global investment powerhouse TPG.
Under this strategic acquisition, CAA’s existing leadership remains intact, with Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane, and Richard Lovett continuing as co-chairmen of the agency. Bryan Lourd is poised to take on the role of CEO upon the successful completion of the transaction. Jim Burtson, the leader of the CAA deal team, will retain his position as President of CAA. The transaction is expected to be finalized later this year, with the financial terms remaining undisclosed.
CAA is renowned for its expert representation of talent and brands across a wide spectrum of entertainment and sports sectors, including film, television, music, and sports. Notably, the agency recently completed a seamless integration with International Creative Management (ICM) and CAA Brand Management, showcasing its growth and adaptability.
Francois-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Artémis, expressed his confidence in CAA’s exceptional industry insight, robust relationships, and access to key sectors. He highlighted CAA’s pivotal role in driving global opportunities for its diverse clientele and reaffirmed Artémis’s commitment to supporting the agency’s continued expansion.
Jim Coulter, Executive Chairman and Co-founder of TPG, acknowledged CAA’s remarkable growth over the past 13 years, positioning it as the premier gateway for leading talent and content creators worldwide. He extended his best wishes to the CAA team as they embark on this new phase of their journey.
Artémis boasts an extensive portfolio with consolidated assets exceeding $40 billion, encompassing prestigious entities such as Kering, the luxury conglomerate housing iconic brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. Artémis also owns Christie’s, a globally renowned auction house, the Pinault Collection, one of the world’s most significant private contemporary art collections, and Artémis Domaines, which includes exclusive wine estates such as Château Latour.
CAA’s leadership, including Lourd, Lovett, Huvane, and Burtson, expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership with Artémis. They emphasized Artémis’s global reach, substantial resources, and dedication to fostering creativity and innovation. They share a collective vision of exploring boundless new opportunities.
In this strategic move, Temasek, a Singapore-based global investment firm, will maintain its role as a minority investor in CAA, while CMC Capital remains a crucial strategic partner in this transformative journey.