Talent agency Gersh acquires sports representation firm You First in major expansion

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As a seasoned film enthusiast with over three decades of immersion in the dynamic world of Hollywood, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity upon witnessing the strategic expansion of Gersh into the sports representation business. Having grown up watching the likes of Fabián Ruiz and Jarrett Allen on my television screen, it’s fascinating to see their talents being represented by an agency that was once exclusively focused on actors and directors.

The well-known talent agency based in Beverly Hills, Gersh, is making a significant move by purchasing You First, a sports representation company based in Madrid. This strategic step represents Gersh’s foray into the cutthroat industry focused on representing athletes.

The deal, announced Tuesday, doubles the agency’s staff to more than 600 people.

Furthermore, this agreement extends Gersh’s reach to encompass 22 offices in 14 different nations. You First boasts over 1,000 clients, with Spanish soccer player Fabián Ruiz and NBA player Jarrett Allen among them. It is important to note that prior to the acquisition, Gersh did not manage athletes; instead, their focus was on actors, directors, writers, and other artistic professionals.

In a recent interview, managing partner Steve Gersh expressed that it was crucial for our agency to expand, transform, and develop. A key aspect of this evolution was venturing into the field of sports representation. He explained that the sector with the most promising growth potential, both domestically and internationally, is sports and sports representation.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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Initially, CEO Juan Aísa stated that partnering with Gersh provides a stronger client support system for his business. In this arrangement, Aísa will maintain control over You First and also join the board at Gersh, while Steve Gersh will be in charge of Gersh Sports. The agency made this announcement.

In a statement, Aísa shared, “We’re collaboratively constructing a dynamic environment that transcends traditional sports and entertainment representation, focusing instead on cultivating innovation and generating fresh prospects for worldwide growth.

The deal comes after many agencies and management firms were affected by last year’s dual Hollywood strikes. Those same companies are adapting to an entertainment industry in which athletes, actors and other celebrities are embarking on various business endeavors, which span social media videos, sports, music, TV and film.

Agencies such as WME’s parent company Endeavor and Creative Artists Agency have advanced and expanded their operations through growth and diversification.

Gersh said his agency is profitable and is looking at other potential acquisition opportunities.

“This is the start of the journey, not the end,” Gersh said.

Previously, Gersh Agency accepted funding from private equity company Crestview Partners as a means to expand their representation services. Currently, Crestview holds approximately 45% of the shares in Gersh, a company that has been operating since 1949.

The latest purchase by Gersh, their second within a recent growth spurt, was the acquisition of You First. Earlier this year, they acquired the digital and alternative content divisions from A3 Artists Agency in January.

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On Tuesday, Gersh, a renowned talent agency based in Beverly Hills, announced it had purchased the digital and unscripted departments from A3. The specifics of the financial agreement remain undisclosed.

Apart from managing athletes, influencers, and other notable figures, You First also collaborates with sports associations and prominent companies like Formula 1 and Starbucks in devising marketing initiatives.

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2024-12-06 02:58