Three Loeb Partners Recognized in Variety’s 2021 Dealmakers Impact Report

Loeb & Loeb is proud to announce that Variety has named Capital Markets & Corporate partners Arash Khalili and Steven Hurdle and Entertainment partner Debbie White to the 2021 edition of its Dealmakers Impact Report. The report recognizes "top lawyers, financiers, executives and entrepreneurs” who “forged the major game-changing deals that changed the showbiz landscape.”

In an accompanying profile, Arash, co-chair of the firm's Capital Markets & Corporate department and Sports practice, is highlighted for advising Netflix in its acquisition of Night School Studio. This transaction enabled Netflix to officially enter the video games sector. “As a result of the evolving regulatory landscape, we are seeing more adaptation of media content for the creation platforms for gambling and head-to-head game play,” Arash told Variety.

Steven, deputy chair of the firm’s Capital Markets & Corporate department, is noted in the report for advising Element Partners in its $105 million acquisition of World Poker Tour, an internationally televised gaming and entertainment brand. In the article, Steven told Variety that “the pandemic accelerated the embrace of online gaming instead of lottery tickets and brick-and-mortar casinos,” whose declines crimped government tax revenues.

In addition, Debbie is highlighted in the report for advising South Korean boy band BTS and entertainment company HYBE in several transactions, including a global record distribution deal with Universal Music Group, a talent deal between McDonald’s regarding the “BTS Meal” and Korean dipping sauces, and agreements for BTS' hit single “Butter” and the remix song featuring Megan Thee Stallion. Debbie is also lauded for recently representing Christina Aguilera in her Spanish-language album and Nintendo endorsement deal, as well as Citibank and Uber in several music licensing and talent deals. Furthermore, she is noted for handling TV production/music deals for Reese Witherspoon’s media business, Hello Sunshine; Don Omar’s recording pact with Saban Music Group; and a foreign sub-publishing deal and star-studded artist album for Diane Warren.