New York, NY – Private equity firm Silver Lake made waves on Tuesday with the announcement of its acquisition of entertainment powerhouse Endeavor Group Holdings. The deal, valued at $13 billion, sees Silver Lake taking control of Endeavor at a share price of $27.50.
Following the news, Endeavor’s stock experienced a boost of over 2% on Tuesday afternoon, reaching just under $26 per share after a temporary trading halt. Silver Lake will be acquiring all outstanding shares of Endeavor. The acquisition is set to be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel expressed optimism about the deal, 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’s diverse portfolio includes talent representation through agency WME, brand licensing, and live events. The company has undergone significant transformations in recent years, including the acquisition of sports betting platform OpenBet in 2022 and the sale of IMG Academy for $1.25 billion in 2023.
In addition, Endeavor holds majority ownership of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and WWE. TKO will remain a publicly traded entity as part of the acquisition deal.
Silver Lake’s involvement with Endeavor dates back to 2012, when the firm initially invested in the company. With a history of supporting Endeavor’s strategic moves, including the acquisition of UFC in 2016, Silver Lake’s co-CEO Egon Durban and managing director Stephen Evans played key roles in the acquisition.
Overall, the acquisition marks a significant development in the entertainment industry landscape, showcasing the evolving strategies of major players like Silver Lake and Endeavor. The deal is poised to reshape the future trajectory of both companies as they navigate new opportunities and growth prospects.