Two major agencies APA & Artist Group Int’l merge to form the Independent Artist Group

The post-pandemic consolidation in the talent agencies continues with the merger of the Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) and the music touring agency Artist Group International (AGI). The combined full-service agency will rebrand as Independent Artist Group (IAG).

APA President Jim Osborne has been named CEO of IAG, and Dennis Arfa, founder, and CEO of AGI, will serve as Chairman of the Music Division. Longtime APA CEO Jim Gosnell will now serve on the new company’s board alongside Osborne and Arfa.

AGI was founded 35 years ago by Arfa and acquired by Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Entertainment in 2012. Its roster includes Billy Joel, Metallica, Def Leppard, Rod Stewart, Motley Crue, Linkin Park, Jane’s Addiction, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Norah Jones, Neil Young, The Strokes, Smashing Pumpkins, Ghost, and Elvis Costello.

Burkle is also a major investor in APA.

There have been signs in recent weeks that APA was preparing for a sale or merger as the agency did not renew the contracts of several senior agents, including Global Music Head Bruce Solar and the sake of it Canadian division to Paquin.

Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.