After years of talking, leading the international agency, Independent Talent Group, has secured a new investment and is planning its expansion.
Duncan Heath’s London firm has represented hundreds of actors, directors and writers, including Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Gillian Anderson, Jodie Comer, Anthony Hopkins, Stephen Graham, Sophie Turner, Elisabeth Moss, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, David Tennant, Colin Firth and Jason Isaacs. The firm has struck an accord with Sienna Private Equity (SPE), according to Deadline. The deal will see SPE take a majority shareholding position in the company, resulting in the departure of Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies group as a significant shareholder.
The Yucaipa companies, which have been a 49% shareholder since 2012, will remain “a financing partner of the group,” while a new, undisclosed group of ITG agents has become shareholders.
Deadline reports that, according to ITG and Sienna, the deal will allow for growth, “both organically and through strategic acquisitions, while expanding the breadth of services offered to its clients.” ITG’s relationship will remain intact, retaining a significant stake in the business and continuing to oversee day-to-day operations. Heath remains as Chairman.
Financial terms were not revealed. However, Deadline states the deal values the company north of $100M. Jane Epstein, Paul Stevens and Jessica Sykes will continue as Managing Directors for ITG.
SPE is a mid-market European private equity fund with offices in Paris and Milan that was founded by Vincent Catherine and Hugo d’Avout. It is owned by its partners and Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, a European investment holding company listed on Euronext Brussels with a net asset value of €14BN.
Heath and Sally Long-Innes, CEO, said: “SPE brings their extensive experience to this partnership, and we are thrilled to be working with them as we step into 2026. This exciting development will enable us to expand our client offering whilst exploring new opportunities in this ever evolving industry, ensuring that ITG remains at the forefront of its field.”
Vincent Catherine, Managing Partner of Sienna Private Equity, said: “We are excited to work with the Independent team to accelerate its growth trajectory. The agency already enjoys a strong reputation and represents iconic talent across a wide range of segments. Our role will be to provide additional resources and support to its agents, as we believe there are significant opportunities for ITG to further strengthen and expand its position as a leading talent agency in Europe and further afield.”
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