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4w ago

Silver Lake Completes $25 Billion Acquisition of Endeavor, Rebranding as WME Group

The transaction takes Endeavor private, introduces new leadership roles, and retains control of TKO Group, while Patrick Whitesell departs to launch a Silver Lake-backed venture.

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Overview

  • Silver Lake's $25 billion acquisition of Endeavor marks the largest private equity public-to-private deal in over a decade, with shareholders receiving a 55% premium at $27.50 per share.
  • Endeavor has been rebranded as WME Group, consolidating assets like WME talent agency, IMG Licensing, and Pantheon Media Group under a unified identity.
  • Ari Emanuel transitions to Executive Chairman of WME Group while continuing as CEO and Executive Chair of TKO Group, with Mark Shapiro assuming the role of President and Managing Partner.
  • Patrick Whitesell has exited Endeavor to lead a new sports and media-focused platform backed by a $250 million investment from Silver Lake.
  • WME Group retains a controlling stake in TKO Group, which remains publicly traded and includes UFC, WWE, and other premium sports and entertainment assets.