Moody's Investors Service has issued a report stating that Creative Artists Agency (CAA) will face significant credit risk following the acquisition of a majority stake by French billionaire François-Henri Pinault's investment firm. The report highlights the potential financial challenges CAA may encounter due to ongoing strikes in Hollywood. However, Moody's maintains a stable outlook for the talent agency, noting that a significant portion of the revenue impact from the strikes is expected to be recovered once they are resolved. CAA's leverage is projected to increase in the near term, but Moody's anticipates a recovery in operating performance due to the continued demand for high-quality content.
Hollywood talent agency CAA is reportedly in advanced talks to sell a majority stake to French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, the owner of luxury and fashion empire Kering. The deal, which would value CAA at $7 billion, comes at a critical time for Hollywood as actors join writers on strike against film and TV companies. If the acquisition goes through, it would bring Kering closer to the entertainment world, as the luxury group has already made strides in the film industry through initiatives like sponsoring the Cannes Film Festival.
French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, CEO of luxury fashion group Kering and president of Groupe Artémis, is reportedly in final talks to acquire a majority stake in talent agency CAA in a $7 billion deal. The negotiations come after CAA's recent acquisition of ICM Partners and Pinault's Kering Group's strong presence in the luxury goods industry. However, a deal has not been confirmed yet. This news coincides with the announcement of a strike by actors' union SAG-AFTRA following failed talks with studios and streaming services.
