Pinault’s Paris-based holding company, Artémis, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from asset management firm TPG.
CAA reps several kids brands, managing content deals for The Tiny Chef, Beano Studios and Ms. Rachel. The LA-based entertainment agency also manages A-list celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and Steven Spielberg, along with emerging athletes through its CAA Sports division.
The CAA transaction is expected to close later this year for an undisclosed amount. Following the sale, CAA’s leadership team will remain on board, including president Jim Burston and co-chairs Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane and Richard Lovett. Singapore-based investment firm Temasek will also stay in the mix as a minority investor in the agency.
Artémis acquired the majority stake in CAA to diversify its portfolio and unlock new business opportunities for its brands, said CEO François-Henri Pinault in a release. The firm manages more than US$40 billion in assets, including luxury brands Gucci, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Christie’s.
Since launching in 1975, CAA has opened offices in key cities like New York, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and London in order to manage licensing deals for its wide range of entertainment and sports clients.