EXCLUSIVE: After years of talks and near things, leading international agency Independent Talent Group (ITG) has secured lucrative new investment and is planning growth.

Duncan Heath’s legendary London firm, which reps hundreds of actors, directors and writers, including A-listers Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Gillian Anderson, Jodie Comer, Anthony Hopkins, Stephen Graham, Sophie Turner, Elisabeth Moss, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, David Tennant, Colin Firth and Jason Isaacs, has struck an accord with Sienna Private Equity (SPE).

We understand the deal, which closed this week, will see SPE take a majority shareholding position in the company and results in the exit of Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies group as a significant shareholder.

The Yucaipa Companies, a 49% shareholder since 2012, will remain “a financing partner of the group”, while a new and undisclosed group of ITG agents have become shareholders.

According to ITG and Sienna, the deal will allow for growth, “both organically and through strategic acquisitions, while expanding the breadth of services offered to its clients”. ITG’s leadership will remain intact, retaining a significant stake in the business and continuing to oversee day-to-day operations. Duncan Heath will remain as Chairman.

Financial terms were not disclosed but we understand from sources that the deal values the company at north of $100M. This isn’t the same private equity deal that was speculated in the trades a couple of years ago. Sienna is a more recent partner.

ITG has 140 employees, including 60 agents. Jane Epstein, Paul Stevens and Jessica Sykes will continue as Managing Directors.

Founded by Vincent Catherine and Hugo d’Avout, Sienna Private Equity is a mid-market European private equity fund with offices in Paris and Milan. It is owned by its partners and Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, a European investment holding company listed on Euronext Brussels with a net asset value of €14BN.

Duncan Heath, founder and chairman of ITG, and Sally Long-Innes, CEO, said: “SPE brings their extensive experience to this partnership, and we are thrilled to be working with them as we step into 2026. This exciting development will enable us to expand our client offering whilst exploring new opportunities in this ever evolving industry, ensuring that ITG remains at the forefront of its field.”

Vincent Catherine, Managing Partner of Sienna Private Equity, commented: “We are excited to work with the Independent team to accelerate its growth trajectory. The agency already enjoys a strong reputation and represents iconic talent across a wide range of segments. Our role will be to provide additional resources and support to its agents, as we believe there are significant opportunities for ITG to further strengthen and expand its position as a leading talent agency in Europe and further afield.”

Heath founded Duncan Heath Associates with Hilary Dwyer in the 1970s. The company sold to ICM in 1985 and then merged with the US agency’s London operation, with Heath serving as chairman. The exec carried out a management buyout from ICM in 2002, and a few years later rebranded as Independent Talent Group. The company has been looking for new and different investment — or a potential sale — for some time. As we reported earlier this year, the company, like many others, took a profit hit after the U.S. strikes.

SPE was advised by The Raine Group, Mayer Brown International LLP and Eight Advisory. Yucaipa and ITG were advised by BofA Securities, Simons Muirhead Burton LLP, Inner Circle Sports and Ross Bennet Smith.

We have reached out to Yucaipa for comment.