Wasserman Completes Deal For Paradigm’s UK Music Business

Wasserman Music has completed its long expected acquisition of Paradigm Music UK’s live music representation business, bringing along UK partners Dave Hallybone, Alex Hardee, Tom Schroeder and James Whitting who will join Wasserman Music’s executive team.

The deal reunites former colleagues – Wasserman acquired Paradigm’s North American music assets in April 2021 and was known to be working on bringing its European counterpart under the umbrella, as well. The acquisition grows Wasserman Music’s global reach as it continues to build and develop its world class artist roster, as well as bring continuity for its current roster’s international touring.

The London-based partners founded CODA Agency in 2002 and built it into one of Europe’s leading agencies before partnering with Paradigm in 2014 and coming fully under the Paradigm name in 2019. With two dozen agents and a total staff of 72 people, they represent a world-class roster of artists in pop, rock, electronic, hip hop and beyond for touring and brand partnerships. Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa was a minority partner in the company.

With the U.K. client roster merging into Wasserman Music, the agency now also handles international representation outside North America for artists including Bon Iver, FKA twigs, Lewis Capaldi, Liam Payne, Mark Ronson, My Chemical Romance, PinkPantheress, Rag’n’Bone Man, Rita Ora, Robyn, Sean Paul, Shawn Mendes, Take That and X Ambassadors.

These artists join Wasserman Music’s established roster that now includes globally represented artists Baby Keem, Bastille, Billie Eilish, Brent Faiyaz, Disclosure, Drake, Frank Ocean, Fred again.., Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Kenny Chesney, Liam Gallagher, Louis Tomlinson, Normani, ODESZA, Old Dominion, Pharrell, Sia, Skrillex, Sturgill Simpson, SZA, Turnstile, Wet Leg and Zedd, among many others.

“I am incredibly proud to reunite Alex, Dave, James, Tom and their team with the full force of our Wasserman Music group,” said Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman. “They not only persevered through a once in a lifetime pandemic, but prioritized their clients and partnerships in a way that is consistent with our values and commitment to talent. With this group now under one banner, we now have a truly scalable and serviceable global music practice and look forward to strengthening our platform together.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to be back under the same name as our longtime partners in London,” said Wasserman Music EVP & Managing Executive Marty Diamond. “We share common values and a deep commitment to artist development, and with live music coming back huge this year, we’re confident that together we can secure the health, success and growth of our clients’ careers throughout the world. We have persevered and continued to excel in our global efforts during this incredibly challenging time, and we have worked closely through it all to provide continuous service to our clients.”

London partner Tom Schroeder said, “The pandemic was incredibly testing for the industry. It really made us all look at everything we have achieved and where we were going. What we saw in Wasserman was a company very different from others – dynamic, fast-moving, open, and honest. The commitment from our staff was incredible, and I couldn’t be more proud and determined to continue our journey. Casey and his team are the most ambitious we have ever met, and their reach and vision is inspiring. We have always seen ourselves as the alternative, and that fits better today than ever before.”

The addition of a Wasserman Music office in London adds to Wasserman’s impressive network of global connections and expertise, operating across more than 30 offices in 14 countries on three continents.