December 7, 2022
Partners Alan Epstein, Sidney Fohrman, Steven Hurdle and Shane Nix have been named to Variety’s 2022 Dealmakers Impact Report, an annual listing of the top transactional attorneys and executives in the entertainment industry.
The partners are among the leading dealmakers Variety selected for their ability “to fight for their clients and their companies – and generate growth against the odds.” The publication noted their accomplishments in major entertainment transactions and in helping to establish and rapidly grow Willkie’s Los Angeles office, which opened in September 2021 and now numbers more than 65 attorneys.
Alan Epstein, Chair of Willkie’s Entertainment Transactions Practice, was noted for advising on Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s acquisition of new football and basketball franchises in digital sports league SimWin Sports, and on the launch of former NBA star Tracy McGrady’s nationwide basketball league, Ones Basketball Association.
Sid Fohrman, Chair of the Music and Digital Media Practice, was recognized for his work advising BMG Rights Management on music catalog acquisitions and Shamrock Capital on its recent investments in media companies, including in Religion of Sports, a sports media production company founded by Gotham Chopra, Tom Brady and Michael Strahan.
Steve Hurdle, a partner in the Entertainment Transactions Practice, was noted for representing Benny and Rafi Fine, the popular YouTube creators and founders of React Media, in the sale of React Media to Electric Monster Media, as well as for advising Station 6 Productions, the production company of “Cash Cab” creator Tony Tackaberry, in its deal with Blue Ant Studios.
Shane Nix, a partner in the Firm’s Tax Department and the Entertainment Transactions Practice, was recognized for advising on several major music catalog sales, as well as on the recent sale of a popular game show by two TV production companies.
Read Variety’s 2022 Dealmakers Impact Report here.
