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William Morris and IMG join UFC, Miss Universe, various sports teams and the agency's new Chinese operation under the Endeavor banner
By IQ on 11 Oct 2017
image © Endeavor
WME-IMG – the mega-agency formed by the 2013 merger of music/media agency William Morris Endeavor and sports booking outfit International Management Group – has rebranded as Endeavor.
The new holding company incorporates WME; IMG; UFC, the mixed martial-arts promoter it bought for US$4bn last July; Droga5, a New York-based ad agency; bull-riding team Professional Bull Riders; the Miss Universe Organization; the Frieze art fair; management companies Dixon Talent and The Wall Group; and a number of joint ventures, including Euroleague Basketball, esports championship Eleague and its new division in China.
All WME clients remain with the agency, and daily operations will not be affected, a spokesperson tells IQ.
The creation of WME-IMG represented “a pivotal moment in our company’s history,” says Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel (pictured), “but it does not accurately reflect the extent of our diversity or indicate where we’re headed.
“Unlike 20 years ago, we’re now sitting at the centre of an incredible global network”
“In creating Endeavor, we now have a holding company that represents the very definition of the word itself, constantly striving to push boundaries on behalf of our clients and owned properties.”
Executive chairman Patrick Whitesell adds: “Our business at its core remains rooted in access, service and creativity. The one substantial difference is that unlike 20 years ago, we’re now sitting at the centre of an incredible global network.
“We have the relationships and the platforms to help our clients and partners extend their reach and bring their creative initiatives to life.”
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