Private equity firm Silver Lake revealed on Tuesday its acquisition of entertainment company Endeavor Group Holdings at $27.50 per share.
Endeavor’s stock experienced a modest rise of over 2% on Tuesday afternoon post a brief halt before the announcement, hovering close to $26 per share.
Silver Lake is set to procure the remaining 100% of shares it does not already possess, valuing Endeavor at an equity sum of $13 billion, according to a statement by the entertainment entity.
The transaction is slated to conclude by the close of the first quarter of 2025.
“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,” stated Endeavor CEO Ariel Emanuel.
Endeavor is actively engaged in talent representation through agency WME, in addition to brand licensing and live events, having undergone notable transformations in recent times.
In 2022, the company acquired OpenBet, a sports betting platform, followed by the $1.25 billion sale of IMG Academy, a sports education institution, in 2023.
Endeavor also holds majority ownership of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and WWE, which will remain publicly traded post the acquisition.
Earlier, Endeavor had expressed intentions to analyze strategic alternatives, including a potential sale.
Silver Lake initially invested in Endeavor in 2012 and played a pivotal role in supporting the company’s acquisition of UFC in 2016, with its co-CEO Egon Durban and managing director Stephen Evans serving on Endeavor’s board before the acquisition.
