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.