SECRET AGENT MAN

Whispers are growing louder about a merger of two talent agencies: Artist Group International (Billy Joel, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Five Finger Death Punch) and Agency for the Performing Arts, both of which have seen major investments by billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies.

Insiders say Burkle (pictured) views the move as a logical next step, as APA’s heavy film, TV and lit roster complements AGI’s strong music base. If the merger proceeds, it's likely that AGI founder and Chairman Dennis Arfa will be chairman of the newly reconstituted music department and APA president Jim Osborne will be named CEO.

Yucaipa previously folded the London-based K2 Agency (Iron Maiden, Slayer, Alter Bridge, A Day to Remember) into the Y Entertainment Group alongside AGI. Burkle also has an investment in London agency X-Ray Touring and wonderers are wondering how the two entities will fit into the mix.

Other Burkle entertainment investments include film and TV agency Independent Talent Group; Steinberg Sports; a minority stake in the giant Spanish music festival Primavera Sound; a commitment to music promoter Danny Wimmer Presents; and a piece of Rick Yorn and Ian Montone’s LBI Entertainment talent management company—which sources add Yorn has been unsuccessfully trying to buy back for almost a decade.