After three years as a publicly traded company, Endeavor, led by Ari Emanuel, is going private in a deal with majority shareholder Silver Lake. The Beverly Hills-based sports and entertainment giant, known for owning talent agencies WME and IMG, as well as assets like PBR and UFC, will be acquired at a valuation of $13 billion.
Silver Lake will acquire all outstanding shares, with Endeavor stockholders receiving $27.50 per share. This move marks the end of a journey that began in May 2019 when Endeavor filed its intent to go public, only to postpone the plan amid unfavorable market conditions. The sale of CAA to Artémis last year for $7 billion raised questions about the valuation of talent agencies, prompting Endeavor to explore strategic alternatives.
Endeavor’s spin-off of UFC into TKO Group Holdings last year, with Ari Emanuel as CEO, has added to its value. Silver Lake, which initially invested in WME in 2012, has been a key partner in Endeavor’s growth, helping increase its revenue from $350 million to nearly $6 billion.
Emanuel expressed excitement about the transaction, believing it will maximize value for all stockholders and unlock growth opportunities as a private company. Executive chairman Patrick Whitesell highlighted the potential for Endeavor to capitalize on trends in media and entertainment, where global content spending exceeds $200 billion annually.
With Silver Lake’s support, Endeavor is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of content, sports, and live events with a bold vision for the future.