London-based Rock Powerhouse K2 Agency Joins AGI and Announces Joint Venture With The Yucaipa Companies

Ross Halfin – K2 + O2
Robert Trujillo, Lars Ulrich, Live Nation’ Andy Copping, The O2’s Christian D’Acuna, Kirk Hammett, K2 Agency’s John Jackson, James Hetfield (from left) celebrate setting an attendance record at London’s O2 Arena in 2017.

Private equity firm The Yucaipa Companies entered into a joint venture with the London-based K2 Agency, the companies announced Thursday.

Going forward, K2 will join Yucaipa-owned Artist Group International in Y Entertainment Group.

K2, founded by agent John Jackson, handles European touring for several AGI clients, including Metallica, Volbeat and Atreyu, as well as many other prominent acts, such as Iron Maiden, Slayer, Alter Bridge and A Day To Remember.

The agency has further buttressed business in recent years with the acquisitions of Factory Music Management and E.G.O Agency in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with [AGI founder and chairman] Dennis [Arfa] and the team at AGI for many years,” Jackson said in a statement. “Not only is there mutual respect between us, but we share a similar philosophy and work ethic when it comes to our artists, agents and staff. As such, joining forces is the perfect fit and an opportunity to flourish on the global stage. Thank you to [Yucaipa co-founder and managing partner] Ron Burkle and his team.”

“John runs one of the best agencies in the world,” Arfa said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to be working with him and his K2 team. We share many clients including Metallica, Ghost and Volbeat and over the years have developed a natural synergy. We are pleased that our ownership has staunchly facilitated and supported our expansion efforts.”

Earlier this year, Yucaipa announced backing for Danny Wimmer Presents, which frequently books AGI and K2 acts at its festivals.

For more, revisit Pollstar‘s recent One-On-One Session with Arfa, as well as 2019 cover stories about Metallica and Slayer.