The luxury industry pursues its ambitions in cinema

Having already collaborated with renowned directors such as Italy's Paolo Sorrentino and Canada's David Cronenberg, François-Henri Pinault, the head of the luxury group Kering, is taking a step further by acquiring a majority stake in the prestigious talent agency CAA (Creative Artists Agents), for a reported amount of nearly $7 billion, according to Bloomberg. The transaction, expected to be completed in September, represents a significant shift in Hollywood's commercial dynamics. Pinault would thus gain control over a talent pool that includes names as reputable as Scarlett Johansson, Brad Pitt, or Tom Hanks.

Until now, the billionaire's acquired shares were held by the private equity fund TPG for about a decade, accounting for 53% of the company's capital. The acquisition could immediately benefit both parties: CAA could rely on Kering's financial power to enhance its activities, while Kering could leverage the agency's network and prestige within the film industry. However, administrative obstacles must still be overcome before the acquisition is finalized. Furthermore, another investment fund, Temasek, based in Singapore, is also interested in increasing its stake in CAA. To achieve this, it would need to acquire the shares currently held by the Chinese fund CMC Capital.

Over the past few decades, the presence of major luxury groups in the film industry has intensified and significantly transformed the audiovisual landscape. The power and influence of cinema actors and directors, whose most iconic figures achieve iconic status, explain the reasons behind the convergence of luxury and cinema. As dream industries, their interests align to blend stars and dollars. Luxury product ambassadors, the actors and actresses, are guardians of the glamour and refinement displayed in storefronts. Over the years, these successful unions have multiplied. Collaborations like Marion Cotillard or Nathalie Portman with Dior and Keira Knightley with Chanel have confirmed the success of their respective influence.