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WME-IMG becomes 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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StubHub rebrands Ticketbis

Ticketbis, the multinational secondary ticketing giant acquired by eBay last May, has been rebranded worldwide as StubHub, bringing to an end the Ticketbis name in the dozens of countries, primarily in Europe, Asia and Latin America, where it formerly had a presence.

The renaming, effective from today, “represents the latest step in the integration process between the two companies”, reads a statement from StubHub.

“StubHub is making solid progress in our goal to integrate Ticketbis into our platform, and to give consumers access to the world’s largest catalogue of live events,” comments StubHub president Scott Cutler (pictured).

“This phase marks a significant step in introducing Ticketbis customers to the StubHub brand and extending to them access to the performers, artists and athletes they love”

“This phase marks a significant step in introducing Ticketbis customers to the StubHub brand, and extending to them access to the performers, artists and athletes they love, no matter where they live or where they want to travel.”

StubHub, acquired by eBay in 2007, last week revealed it earned record revenues in the fourth quarter of 2016, increasing turnover to US$279 million. With the acquisition of Ticketbis it cemented its position as the world’s largest secondary ticketing site, gaining a lucrative foothold in the Asia-Pacific region.

In related news, The Canadian Press reports StubHub is planning to increase in presence in Canada – its second-largest market, after the US – with a more localised website, including a French-language option to better serve Quebeckers.

 


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