United Talent Agency has acquired London-based music agency Echo Location Talent Agency.
Echo Location founder Obi Asika will co-lead the operation alongside Neil Warnock, UTA’s London-based global head of touring based in London, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The deal gives Beverly Hills-based UTA access to a roster of major names in the United Kingdom’s electronic and hip-hop music scene, including Marshmello, Alesso, Bugzy Malone and Major Lazer.
“Throughout the years Echo has been approached by several suitors, and as we evaluated the agency landscape, UTA’s strength, ingenuity and true commitment to their artists really stood out,” Echo’s Obi Asika said in a statement. “UTA was ultimately the perfect fit.”
About 10 Echo Location agents will join UTA, including senior agent Belinda Law, Myles Jessop, Tom Jones, Jack Clark, Hannah Shogbola, Kazia Davy and Ishsha Bourguet, Deadline reported.
Echo Location was founded in 2012. The agency represents nearly 160 artists and has offices in London; Melbourne, Australia; and Lagos, Nigeria.
UTA’s acquisition is the latest in its string of deals by the agency. In 2018, it acquired Santa Monica-based Circle Talent Agency, and in 2019 it bought West Hollywood-based Digital Brand Architects, an influencer management company, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“Obi and his team have built an impressive business and have done excellent work taking their artists to the next level,” UTA Chief Executive Jeremy Zimmer said in a statement. “He is a highly respected leader in the music industry and is well-versed in the global entertainment marketplace.”
“This acquisition further amplifies our efforts to expand UTA’s presence, and I know that alongside Neil, Obi’s leadership, drive, and passion will be a vital addition not only to the U.K. office, but for UTA at large,” Zimmer added.