William Morris Endeavour acquires IMG

Talent agency William Morris Endeavour earlier this week confirmed it was acquiring one of its major competitors in a $2.3 billion deal backed by private equity group Silver Lake. The combination of WME and IMG Worldwide will create a talent management and partnership powerhouse, with particular significance in the sports domain where IMG was strongest. Though it will also further extend WME's reach into the live music space too, with IMG working with both Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake. Confirming the deal, WME bosses Patrick Whitesell and Ariel Emanuel said in a statement: "IMG has incredible strategic value to WME. Supported by Silver Lake's continued partnership, WME and IMG together will deliver a broad range of opportunities and resources to the companies and talent we collectively represent".