Paquin Artists Agency acquires APA Canada
Paquin Artists Agency (PAA) says it has become Canada’s largest booking agency with the acquisition of APA’s Canadian business, home to artists such as Nickelback and Billy Talent.
The move sees veteran agents Ralph James and Jack Ross – who joined APA (Agency for the Performing Arts) from UTA in 2017 – appointed PAA senior vice-presidents.
“With this acquisition, PAA expands its footprint by adding an incredible group of people led by Ralph and Jack while also broadening our roster of talented artists,” says PAA co-president Julien Paquin. “It’s a humbling moment to be reminded of the value of hard work and a shared vision of highlighting artistic excellence.”
Agent Mike Graham also makes the switch, along with agency staff, Lorraine Webb, Jean Wilkinson, Jenna MacDonald and Tristan Tammaro.
“Paquin has grown into an international industry leader, and I look forward to working alongside them”
“I’m thrilled to see the conclusion of this deal and have the team here at APA Canada join Paquin Artists Agency,” says Jack Ross. “We know that joining PAA will create new and unique opportunities for our roster of clients. I want to thank Jim Gosnell and his team at APA for all their support and look forward to a continued productive relationship. I’ve long admired Julien and his team and couldn’t be happier to join them.”
“Paquin has grown into an international industry leader, and I look forward to working alongside them, digging in for our clients,” adds James.
PAA is part of full-service North American arts and entertainment company Paquin Entertainment Group, which has offices in Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Nashville. Over the past year the firm has formed partnerships with Loft Entertainment, Blue Crane Agency, Action Entertainment and seen continued growth of its exhibition & theatrical and brand partnerships divisions.
APA’s broader business was recently linked with a merger with fellow US talent agency Artist Group International (AGI).
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More UTA Toronto staff find homes at APA, Paquin
Two further booking agencies have made hires from United Talent Agency (UTA) in North America, as the agency’s Canadian staff continue to seek new opportunities ahead of the impending closure of its Toronto office.
Agents Adam Kreeft and Rob Thornton, who had been with the UTA – then The Agency Group – since 2012 and 2007, respectively, join Canadian agency Paquin Entertainment Group, which has offices in Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. Both Kreeft and Thornton will work out of Paquin’s Toronto office, along with fellow UTA alumnus Sarah Litt, who will be taking on an assistant role.
“With Adam and Rob, we are welcoming two agents who bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to a team poised for tremendous growth,” says Paquin president Julien Paquin. “I’m confident that they will both effortlessly integrate into our team and further foster Paquin’s commitment to our artists – and their development – in collaboration with our strong relationships within the industry, as well as our dedication to building a strong music community in Canada.”
Kreeft says he’s “excited to join Paquin, an agency that embraces and embodies what I love about being an agent”. “I’m really psyched to continue working alongside my longtime colleagues Rob Thornton and Sarah Litt, who will be making the move with me as well,” he adds.
“We’re very excited to be investing in Canadian artists and the city of Toronto”
Fellow Agency Group veterans Ralph James and Jack Ross, meanwhile, have been recruited by the Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) to oversee its new Toronto office, where they will be joined by former UTA colleagues Stefanie Purificati and Mike Graham.
James (pictured) brings several high-profile Canadian clients to LA-headquartered APA, including Nickelback, Billy Talent, Big Sugar and The Trews.
“It’s an honour to be in business with such accomplished and respected industry vets as Ralph and Jack,” say APA’s Steve Martin and Jim Gosnell in a joint statement. “We’re very excited to be investing in Canadian artists and the city of Toronto as we continue to expand APA’s global footprint.”
The hires by APA and Paquin follow Paradigm Talent Agency’s announcement last week it is to open its first Canadian office, overseen by former UTA agent Rob Zifarelli, in Toronto.
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