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Paradigm boss Sam Gores has “shut down” UTA merger talks
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 10 June 2019
Following recent reports that US-based talent agencies UTA and Paradigm were in talks to merge, the latter’s CEO Sam Gores has said that he has “shut down discussions and [will] not make this deal”.
UTA was seemingly particularly interested in acquiring Paradigm’s music division. The merger would have created one of the largest talent agencies in the world, and come hot on the heels of WME owner Endeavor announcing plans to IPO.
“There are reasons why a combination like this would have made sense for both agencies”, Gores says in a memo to staff. “But in the end, what is more compelling for us is how unique the culture at Paradigm is and how powerful our independent path can be”.
In a statement to Billboard, UTA boss Jeremy Zimmer says: “We admire Sam and the business he and his colleagues have built. We are disappointed we didn’t come to an agreement. But we wish him and everyone at Paradigm the best”.
Founded in 1992, Paradigm now has ten offices across the US, Canada and UK, representing clients from the worlds of film, TV, books and voiceover talent, as well as music. A year older, UTA covers all of those plus comedy, YouTubers, esports and public speakers.