Talent boutique Writersand Artists Agency (WAA) and music agency Artist Group International (AGI) havejoined forces under the banner of Writers and Artists Group International.

Both companies, whichhave offices in New York and Los Angeles, will continue to operate as their ownbrands while also offering clients an enhanced and confluent service throughthe new entity.

The initiative is thebrainchild of WAA partners Norman Aladjem, Marti Blumenthal and William Craverand AGI president Dennis Arfa.

"The intent is toprovide our clients the same level of personalised service while offering themexpanded opportunities in numerous arenas." Arfa said in a statement.

"We have formed apartnership between our two businesses to bring added value to all of our clients.There is a natural fit with our corporate cultures and commitment to ourclients. We are confident that we will complement each other very well."

WAA was formed in NewYork in the early 1970s and its client base includes William H Macy, Vivica AFox, Darryl Hannah and Denis Leary.

AGI's client rosterincludes the band Linkin Park and Shakira.