This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Deals Live Business
X-ray extends partnership with Yucaipa, announces alliance with AGI
By Chris Cooke | Published on Wednesday 4 August 2021
UK-based booking agency X-ray has extended its partnership with American investment firm Yucaipa, and also announced a new strategic alliance with US-based and Yucaipa-owned agency Artist Group International.
Yucaipa has invested in various talent agencies over the years – sometimes via its Y Entertainment Group arm, which last year also entered into a joint venture with another London-based agency, K2. It has also partnered with US agency group Paradigm in the past – which is where its alliance with X-ray began back in 2017.
The companies say that the new alliance between X-ray, AGI and Y Entertainment will allow all parties to “expand on their unique position in the global agency business” as the live sector goes into recovery mode post-COVID. X-ray itself will continue to be led by its founding partners Ian Huffam, Martin Horne, Steve Strange and Scott Thomas. Long-standing agent Josh Javor has also been promoted to the management board.
Confirming all this, Huffam says: “This had been a long time coming and I know all of X-ray is excited by this strategic partnership with AGI and Y Entertainment. There will be many changes over the next few years but our proven collective track records offer artistes the best route forward to live success”.
AGI founder and CEO Dennis Arfa adds: “I have long admired what the X-ray team led by Ian, Steve, Scott and Martin have built. We have wanted to work with X-ray for many years and are THRILLED to finally have the opportunity to do so”.
And Yucaipa boss Ron Burkle chips in: “AGI and X-ray’s leadership and innovation in the industry is unparalleled. The synergies between these companies creates even more opportunity for their clients. This is a perfect match both culturally and strategically and I look forward watching their collaboration as they continue to grow globally”.
Artists on X-ray’s 400+ roster include Coldplay, Eminem, Robbie Williams, Gorillaz, Queens Of The Stone Age, Linkin Park, Pixies, Stereophonics, Bombay Bicycle Club, Phoebe Bridgers, The Internet, The Offspring, Enter Shikari and Fever 333.
