In what marks the first time in its 22-year history that Entertainment 360 has taken outside funding, the talent management company has closed on an equity stake with global investment firm Carlyle. It is a substantial minority stake and the principals would not disclose how much.
The company’s board and leadership remains intact, and the investment will be used to fuel growth in the company.
In an email sent to staff announcing the deal Wednesday, the Entertainment 360 board hailed the partnership’s benefits for the firm’s clients and productions. “Our clients are at the center of everything we do – and they always will be,” they wrote. “This investment will support our company as we work to continue delivering dynamic results for our clients in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
“As a company, we have always strived to be the best of the best – and, in Carlyle, we have found a partner who is the embodiment of excellence. Carlyle’s reputation and accomplishments speak for themselves, but we were also thrilled to find, in their leadership, a group who share our values and who recognize that the future of entertainment will be shaped by entrepreneurial talent provided opportunities to take the kinds of creative risks that result in impactful content.”
Ben Fund, Managing Director – Partner on Carlyle’s Credit Opportunities team, said: “We are excited to partner with Entertainment 360 as it enters its next phase of growth. The 360 team has a long-standing track record of working with top talent in the industry and we believe there are significant opportunities for the team to expand their position as a leading talent management organization.”
Since 2017, Carlyle has deployed more than $14 billion into the sports, media and entertainment sectors. Carlyle’s Global Credit platform manages $194 billion in assets under management, as of September 30, 2024. It regularly pursues investments in privately negotiated debt and capital solutions partnering with high-quality sponsors and leading family or entrepreneur-owned companies.
The Raine Group and Venable LLP acted as advisors to Entertainment 360 on the transaction.
