Talent agency Paradigm has taken full ownership of UK-based CODA, merging the agencies.
Los Angeles-based Paradigm acquired its first stake in CODA in early 2014. Paradigm’s stake saw the companies join forces to pool expertise. CODA has since expanded to include CODA Independent Sports in 2018.
CODA Agency will assume Paradigm’s name in the UK as the two companies focus on integration. Partners Alex Hardee, Tom Schroeder, James Whitting, and Dave Hallybone will continue to lead the London office.
In announcing the merger, Paradigm Chairman and CEO Sam Gores pointed to a successful five-year pair-up. That period allowed the agencies to work together on global representation on its roster of shared artists.
“CODA and Paradigm have had tremendous success throughout our five-year partnership, creating opportunities and building enduring careers for a roster of exceptional talent. We look forward to the next chapter as one global company, driven by agents who share an unwavering focus on the artists we represent and the art they create.”
CODA announced a partnership earlier this year with Instrumental, an AI-driven talent discovery business. The company provides the agent team with data and insights into the world of developing musical talent, and that partnership will continue as part of Paradigm. The strategic relationship between CODA and Independent Talent Group will continue as well.
CODA says their recent initiatives to push change in the live music business will also continue. CODA helped establish the Equalising Music Pledge, an industry-wide effort to achieve better gender balance in the music industry.
Now that CODA’s roster is merging with Paradigm’s, the agency handles international representation outside North America for several artists. Those artists include Bon Iver, Ellie Goulding, FKA twigs, Lewis Capaldi, Mark Ronson, Liam Payne, Pusha T, Ran’n’Bone Man, Rita Ora, Robyn and Take That.
Paradigm and CODA shared more than 500 clients before the merger was officially announced.