Private equity firm Silver Lake has announced its acquisition of entertainment company Endeavor Group Holdings at $27.50 a share. The news caused Endeavor’s stock to rise by over 2% after a brief halt, trading just under $26 per share.
Silver Lake is set to acquire 100% of the shares it does not already own, with Endeavor being acquired at an equity value of $13 billion. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Endeavor’s CEO, Ariel Emanuel, expressed excitement about the transaction, stating, ‘We believe this transaction will maximize value for all of Endeavor’s public stockholders and are excited to continue to unlock and invest in the growth opportunities ahead as a private company.’
Endeavor, known for its work in talent representation through agency WME, brand licensing, and live events, has undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2022, the company acquired OpenBet, a sports betting platform, and in 2023, it sold IMG Academy, a sports education institution, in a $1.25 billion deal.
Additionally, Endeavor is the majority owner of TKO Group Holdings, which owns the UFC and WWE. TKO will remain a publicly traded company as part of the deal. The company had previously announced its exploration of strategic alternatives, including a possible sale.
Notably, Silver Lake had initially invested in Endeavor in 2012 and supported the company’s acquisition of UFC in 2016. Silverlake’s co-CEO Egon Durban and managing director Stephen Evans were members of Endeavor’s board ahead of the acquisition.
With this latest development, the future of Endeavor as a private company under the ownership of Silver Lake holds significant potential for growth and expansion in the entertainment industry.
