THE 15 largest talent agencies employ more than 850 agents in L.A. County, up 10 percent from the previous year.

Consolidation continued in the industry as the largest talent agencies positioned themselves for growth in order to survive in the similarly consolidating entertainment industry.

No. 3 International Creative Management Inc. acquired the Broder Webb Chervin Silbermann Agency, No. 10 last year, in July. BWCS was a literary agency that represented many actors and producers on primetime serial television shows including "Grey's Anatomy" and "My Name is Earl." With roots tracing back to 1978, BWCS had 27 agents who all joined ICM.

In addition to organic growth, agencies have looked to expand by signing non-traditional clients, including corporations, athletes and new media companies such as Web sites.

The city of Beverly Hills, longtime home to many of the largest talent agencies, will see two firms depart for Century City in 2007. CAA plans to move into an 180,000-square-foot office in the 2000 Avenue of the Stars building, while ICM is moving into a 125,000-square-foot facility in the MGM building.

BEVERLY Hills-based Creative Artists Agency remained the largest talent agency in Los Angeles County for the fifth consecutive year. The agency continues to expand, adding 33 L.A.-based agents over the past 12 months, giving it a total of 223.

CAA last year signed numerous clients, including Jim Carrey, to a list that already included Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Ron Howard and Will Ferrell.

The agency's non-traditional talent areas continued to grow. Its marketing department added Visa, Delta Airlines and Harley Davidson. Its sports division hired agents that represent football, baseball and hockey athletes, including former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart.