Silver Lake Finalizes $25 Billion Acquisition of Endeavor, Renames It WME Group
The deal marks the largest private-equity public-to-private transaction in over a decade, with leadership changes and a renewed focus on talent representation.
- Ari Emanuel transitions from CEO of Endeavor to executive chairman of the newly renamed WME Group, while retaining his roles at TKO Group.
- Patrick Whitesell exits Endeavor to launch a Silver Lake-backed venture with $250 million in funding, acquiring WME’s NFL talent representation business.
- Endeavor shareholders received $27.50 per share in cash, a 55% premium, as part of the $25 billion transaction.
- Mark Shapiro is named president and managing partner of WME Group, continuing as president and COO of TKO Group.
- The Endeavor brand is retired, with its portfolio consolidated under WME Group, which includes WME, IMG Licensing, and other representation-focused businesses.
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