Amid Lawsuit, Gersh Says It Has a Deal to Buy A3 Artists’ Departments

Less than a month after a lawsuit was filed against the chairman of A3 Artists Agency seeking to block its sale, rival agency says it has closed a deal for the digital and alternative departments of A3. About forty five staffers — twenty five of which are agents — will move over to the Beverly Hills based talent firm as part of the agreement.

“The combined resources and expertise within the agency will unlock unparalleled opportunities for our clients,” said Bob Gersh, David Gersh and Leslie Siebert, co presidents of Gersh. Adding, “A3’s leadership team cultivated two outstanding departments. Their demonstrated success quickly positioned them as compelling additions to the agency.” As part of the deal, A3’s Jade Sherman joins Gersh as senior partner and head of digital, while Alec Shankman arrives as senior partner and head of alternative.

The buy marks the first big swing since investment firm Crestview Partners secured a major stake, 45 percent, in Gersh last July. Since that time, the agency has explored deal options around town, looking to expand through acquisitions. What it ended up finding in A3, however, has become contentious.

In early December, agency partners Robert Attermann and Brian Cho sued A3 chairman Adam Bold and aimed to block the sale. “It has become exceedingly clear that Bold intends to siphon the proceeds of the A3 sale to himself and drive what remains of a once great company into bankruptcy,” read the .

As part of the sale announcement, Bold stated on Tuesday, “We built remarkable digital and unscripted departments and I can’t wait to see what my team does in combination with Gersh.” THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter.