MMW learned Tuesday that Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency, has partnered with CMC Capital Partners (CMC), China’s leading investment fund in media and entertainment, Internet and mobile, and lifestyle.
According to a provided statement, the robust partnership includes the formation of CAA China, a world-class media and entertainment platform, and a minority strategic investment by CMC in CAA. Creating alignment throughout the agency, CMC Chairman Li Ruigang will join CAA’s Board of Directors.
Majority-owned by CAA, CAA China combines the expertise and vast resources of CAA with the broad reach and network of CMC in Greater China. CMC’s tremendous market experience in entertainment and sports combined with CAA’s representation of top Chinese talent, in addition to its leadership in film finance, will create a wide spectrum of new business and client opportunities in the swiftly growing Chinese market, ranging from talent representation, endorsements, and sports, to digital media, music, and original content production.
“With more than two dozen employees in Beijing, CAA opened its China office in 2005 and has successfully built out its multiplatform approach to the market,” the statement notes.
“For more than a decade, we have served as a vital bridge to and within the Chinese market, utilizing our deep experience and network to support the work of the region’s best artists and to develop opportunities within the market for international talent,” said CAA President Richard Lovett. “CAA China will supercharge our efforts, from motion pictures, television, endorsements, and brand consulting to sports, live events, digital media, and beyond. CMC, under the leadership of Li Ruigang, has a remarkable record of success in the region, and we are confident that our partnership will yield tremendous results for our clients and future business partners in China.”