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For Immediate Release
| Contact: | Kendra Calvert Blue Equity, LLC Tel: 502.588.7159 kcalvert@blueequity.com | Sweta Shah 5W Public Relations Tel: 212.584.4314 sshah@5wpr.com |
Blue Equity Acquires Kenneth Crear's Management Group International
LOUISVILLE, KY, February 7, 2008 - Blue Equity, LLC announced today the acquisition of entertainment management powerhouse, Management Group International, owned by successful entrepreneur and music manager, Kenneth Crear. Crear will continue as the President of his company to lead Blue Equity's foray into music management. He will also use his vast entertainment experience to develop new film and television initiatives for both his clients and that of the entire Blue Equity sports and entertainment platform. Clients for Management Group International include hit artists Janet Jackson and Nick Carter. Crear will move from his current offices in Hollywood, California, to Beverly Hills, California, to launch the Blue Equity entertainment office.
As a full-service management company, Blue Equity's sports and entertainment platform offers clients a wide array of in-house capabilities to enhance their careers and drive new opportunities. Blue Equity's event and television production groups coupled with its diverse talent management roster uniquely positions the company as an innovative and dynamic leader in the industry able to drive unprecedented value to its clients, fans and the corporate community. With premier event and media properties and a marquee client roster, the firm provides the ability to effectively build brands and bring together talent from all spectrums of the entertainment world. Blue Equity's diverse and high profile clients include all-star athletes such as Andy Roddick and Reggie Bush, A-list performers like Janet Jackson and the world's top events such as the US Open. To further expand Blue Equity's 360° offerings, Crear plans to bring additional television and film assets to the Blue Equity entertainment platform. One of the many projects currently in Crear's portfolio is a deal he has in place with Will Smith's production agency, Overbook, for an upcoming television show titled "Uncle Rudy".
"I've been asked to join other companies but none have impressed me as much as Blue Equity," says Crear. "It is clear from their successful, rapid growth in less than 18 months to become a leader in the sports industry that they are committed to becoming a leader in the entertainment industry as well. This strategic move will help my clients build their profiles and brands through a vast network of resources."
Started twelve years ago and gradually morphing into one of the most powerful management companies in the entertainment industry, Crear's firm represents many of music's top-selling artists. Crear's client roster to date includes world-renowned multi-platinum winning artist Janet Jackson, male heartthrob Nick Carter, and others. In addition to his music management accomplishments, Crear has excelled in a variety of entertainment fields, including television production. Most recently, he was the executive producer for E! Entertainment's reality show, "House of Carters".
"We continually look for leaders in the industry who can expand the Blue Equity platform and offer more value to our clients and partners," says Jonathan Blue, Chairman and Managing Director of Blue Equity. "Given his distinguished track record in the industry, Kenneth is the perfect person to spearhead our launch into the entertainment sector. With his full access to our resources, the sky is the limit as to what Kenneth can achieve in building our entertainment platform."
Blue Equity will continue to actively seek new sports opportunities while simultaneously building its entertainment division.
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About Blue Equity
Blue Equity's holdings in sports are comprised of SFX Worldwide, Worldwide Football, Blackwave Sports, Team Championships International (TCI), Humarks and Game Seven Sports Marketing. Current clients include Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, NFL Pro Bowlers DeAngelo Hall, Will Smith and Michael Vick, NBA All-Star Rasheed Wallace, 2007 NBA Lottery picks Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer, Australian, French and US Open Champion Justine Henin, US Open Champion Andy Roddick, No. 1 doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan, Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith, Arizona State basketball coach Herb Sendek, Louisville football coach Steve Kragthorpe, Ole Miss basketball coach Andy Kennedy, Arkansas basketball coach John Pelphrey and Massachusetts basketball coach Travis Ford. Media & Event properties include the US Open Tennis Championship, the French Open Tennis Championship, the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, numerous US-based ATP tournaments, Rock 'n Racquets, Hoop It Up, Let It Fly, Kick It, the Boston Marathon, EliteXC Mixed Martial Arts, the Superstars Competition, the AVP Beach Volleyball tour, Ice Wars, the World Cup of Softball, Basketball Hall of Fame Challenge, the Men's and Womens' Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships and the Men's Ford Tennis Championship.
www.sfxworldwide.com | www.blackwavesports.com | www.teamchampionships.com | www.game-seven.com | www.humarks.com
Blue Equity, LLC is an independent, private equity firm based in Louisville, Kentucky. It is committed to actively investing growth capital and business expertise in enterprises with solid development potential. Blue Equity forms strategic partnerships with existing management teams and leverages its expertise and relationships to stabilize, strengthen and grow lasting value. Investment efforts and managerial expertise are focused on the operation of a global and diversified portfolio of business enterprises, including opportunities in media, publishing, sports and entertainment, financial services, real estate and international trade. Blue Equity is dedicated to helping businesses grow by accelerating opportunity and driving innovation to the marketplace. www.blueequity.com