Wasserman has acquired prominent hockey agency Acme World Sports to bolster its ice hockey portfolio.
As part of the acquisition, numerous executives will join Wasserman, including: Acme founder Markus Lehto (Executive Vice President, Hockey), Simo Niiranen (Senior Vice President, Hockey), Pete Rutili (Vice President, Hockey), Brett Peterson (Vice President, Hockey), Joe Pinter (Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, Hockey), Sami Mettovaara (Sr. Director, Hockey) and Kimmo Kapanen (Sr. Director, Hockey).
This team joins Wasserman Hockey, led by senior agents Jeff Jackson (Executive Vice President, Hockey), Dave Gagner (Executive Vice President, Hockey), and Judd Moldaver (Senior Vice President, Hockey).
Wasserman Executive Vice President and COO, Talent Representation Jason Ranne said: “Hockey is a global sport and the Acme team excels at representing hockey players in both North America and Europe. Markus and the Acme agents understand the needs of international hockey players and have enjoyed tremendous success managing their careers for over 25 years. We are thrilled to pair Wasserman’s global talent representation platform with their deep roster of veteran and next-generation talent.”
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity to be part of Wasserman’s hockey group,” said Lehto. “My goal has always been to offer the best possible representation for each individual client. Over the past decade, our clients have had tremendous success and we have had steady and continuous growth with them. During the lengthy and thorough transaction process, Jason, Jeff, Dave and Judd assured all of us that, together and united, the expanded Wasserman Hockey group will provide the best service any player or prospect can ask for.”
“I have known Markus and Simo for a number of years and, first and foremost, they are high quality individuals,” said Jackson. “I have always been impressed with Acme’s first-class operation and stellar reputation in both Europe and North America, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to combine our experience and expertise to better serve our current and future clients. We are excited to have the Acme team join the Wasserman Hockey group as we continue to strategically grow our footprint in Europe and North America.”
“We are excited to partner with Wasserman Hockey which will help take our current practice to the next level,” said Rutili. “As we went through this process, it was evident we share similar passion for our clients. Strategically and culturally, this is a perfect fit. We are eager to continue to offer our players world-class service with the added benefit of Wasserman’s reach and resources behind them.”
