ICM Partners and comedian Howie Mandel have teamed up to acquire the group behind the annual Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal.
The two parties have formed an investor group to acquire the Just for Laughs Group, with additional local players in talks to join.
According to Mandel and ICM managing director Chris Silbermann, it will be business as usual for the group, which organizes comedy tours, television specials and other annual festivals around the world. Current staff and leadership are expected to remain in place, with offices staying in Montreal.
The deal also includes the 2018 Festival Juste pour rire – Just for Laughs Festival, which will be held from July 14 to July 28 in Montreal.