Boards at the William Morris and Endeavor agencies have ratified a merger which will see the creation of a huge talent agency with annual revenues estimated at

US$325 million. The deal still has to be approved by government bodies.

Heading the new WME Entertainment as chairman will be William Morris head Jim Wiatt. Endeavor’s Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, along with WMA president Dave Wirtschafter, will function as co-CEOs.

The William Morris Agency is a landmark in Hollywood and parts beyond. Established in 1898, the agency has principal offices in New York, Beverly Hills, Nashville, London, Miami Beach and Shanghai. The Endeavor Agency is 14 years old and based in Beverly Hills.