Silver Lake Acquires Endeavor, Taking It Private

Silver Lake, a prominent technology investment firm, has successfully acquired all outstanding shares of Endeavor, taking the company private once again. Previously publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Endeavor will now operate under the umbrella of WME Group.

Silver Lake's acquisition involves a group that includes Endeavor management and other outside investors. Public stockholders of Endeavor are entitled to receive $27.50 in cash per Class A common stock, representing a significant 55% premium. Silver Lake already holds a majority of Endeavor’s voting power, with key figures like Egon Durban and Stephen Evans playing crucial roles on the board's Executive Committee.

Despite launching an IPO in April 2021, Endeavor did not achieve the anticipated stock gains. However, going public did facilitate the company's growth, notably through acquiring WWE and merging it with UFC to create the TKO Group. Although Silver Lake has taken Endeavor private, Endeavor retains a controlling ownership in the publicly traded TKO Group.

Founded by Ariel Emanuel in 1995, he continues to have a strong influence as Executive Chairman of WME Group and as CEO and Executive Chair of TKO. Mark Shapiro will lead WME Group as President and Managing Partner, while Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz remain as Co-Chairmen. Additionally, Patrick Whitesell is set to begin a new endeavor, heading a platform for investments in sports, media, and entertainment.

Endeavor's inclusion under WME Group marks a strategic consolidation of its diverse assets, which represent talent, intellectual property, and brands, including agencies like WME, IMG Licensing, and Pantheon Media.