CHARLOTTE — Charlotte-based entertainment booking agency EastCoast Entertainment has acquired The Comedy Zone Worldwide for an undisclosed amount and will create a new comedy division called EastCoast Entertainment Comedy.

East Coast Entertainment

The combined company will provide comedy bookings for event planners, venues and clients looking for comedic entertainment.

“Growing ECE encompasses more than geography, and we strive to seek opportunities that allow us to expand the offerings we provide to our clients,” stated Doug Daniel, president and CEO of EastCoast Entertainment, in a statement.

“Over a year ago, we started exploring the realm of comedy and what it would look like for ECE to be a serious contender in this market,” he added. “The Comedy Zone is a household name and has a tremendous reputation for providing top-notch service to their clients in addition to the most talented comedians.”

The new division will launch within the coming year.

Brian Heffron, founder of Heffron Talent International, owner of The Comedy Zone Charlotte and a comedian, will join EastCoast Entertainment as a managing partner and leader of the EastCoast Entertainment Comedy Division.

“Today is a milestone as we celebrate joining the ECE family and launching a division unrivaled in the comedy market,” said Heffron in a statement. “Drawing on decades of experience, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of comedy while remaining focused on delivering outstanding results that meet the needs and wants of our clients.”

EastCoast Entertainment has 16 offices located along the East Coast. The company includes 160 exclusive artists with the ability to book 8,000 additional acts worldwide.

This story is from the North Carolina Business News Wire, a service of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Media and Journalism