Hollywood talent shop UTA is acquiring the most influential talent agency in the news business, N.S. Bienstock, according to a news release.
Bienstock is well known among TV news outlets since it houses a huge number of famous names, including Bill O’Reilly, Anderson Cooper and Megyn Kelly, giving it big leverage over talent negotiations.
The company was founded by husband-and-wife team, Richard Leibner and Carole Cooper. The two will become special advisers to UTA’s board.
The New York-based talent shop will remain largely independent with UTA managing director Jay Sures managing the relationship.
The move comes in the wake of WME’s recent deal to acquire IMG Worldwide, a move that bulks up that talent agency in the world of sport and fashion.
The price of the N.S. Bienstock acquisition was not immediately disclosed.