Endeavor, the talent agency known for its acquisition of the UFC in 2016, is once again making headlines as it is being acquired by private equity firm Silver Lake. After going public three years ago, Silver Lake has now purchased 100 percent of Endeavor’s outstanding shares for $27.50 per share in cash.
The deal, which values Endeavor at $13 billion excluding TKO Group Holdings, is estimated to be worth a combined $25 billion. Silver Lake, led by co-CEO Egon Durban who is also the chairman of the board at Endeavor, has been a major investor in the company for over a decade.
Despite the acquisition, Endeavor’s leadership will remain intact as CEO Ari Emanuel believes the transaction will maximize value for public stockholders and unlock growth opportunities. The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.
Since October, Endeavor had been exploring strategic alternatives which hinted at a possible sale to take the company private again. TKO Group Holdings, a related publicly traded company, will continue to operate with access to Endeavor’s capabilities.
This acquisition marks a significant move for both Silver Lake and Endeavor, solidifying the company’s position in the entertainment industry. Stay tuned for more updates as the deal progresses.
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