Ari Emanuel Takes New Role as Endeavor Goes Private

Endeavor Goes Private with Silver Lake's Acquisition, Rebranding to WME Group

Endeavor, a global leader in sports and entertainment, has officially transitioned to private ownership following its acquisition by private equity firm Silver Lake Partners. The deal, which has an equity value of US$13 billion, marks a significant turning point for the company, resulting in the rebranding of Endeavor to WME Group. Ari Emanuel, the founding CEO, has stepped into the role of executive chairman, following the company’s shift from public to private status.

Endeavor's Strategic Move

Endeavor's decision to go private comes after a period of financial challenges, with its stock prices decreasing since the company went public in 2021. As part of the restructuring process, Endeavor has sold certain assets, including OpenBet, and explored the possibility of selling Frieze. In October 2023, the company announced it would initiate a formal review of its strategic alternatives.

Silver Lake Partners, which has had a longstanding relationship with Endeavor, made a proposal to purchase the company. In April 2024, Silver Lake finalised an agreement to acquire the remaining shares of Endeavor that it did not already own. The acquisition has now been completed, cementing Silver Lake’s position as the largest shareholder in Endeavor’s portfolio.
 

A Statement of Partnership and Vision

Egon Durban, co-CEO and managing partner of Silver Lake, shared his enthusiasm about the acquisition: “This remarkable moment [...] and the even more exciting future it launches [...] is thanks first and foremost to Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell, and to the relentless and ambitious strategic vision they have shared for more than twenty years to build Endeavor into a global powerhouse across talent, brands, and IP spanning entertainment, media, and sports.
Silver Lake is proud and honored to be their partners since 2012 as they have continued to build the company. Over this period, revenue has grown by twentyfold. Silver Lake has previously invested on six separate occasions to support Endeavor and now, with this latest investment, it is the single largest position in our global portfolio.”

This statement underscores the long-standing relationship between Silver Lake and Endeavor’s leadership, highlighting their shared vision and the substantial growth the company has experienced over the past two decades.

Frieze’s Future and New Leadership Appointment

As Endeavor transitions to private ownership, the future of its subsidiary, Frieze, remains uncertain. The renowned art fair, which is a significant part of Endeavor’s portfolio, has been part of the ongoing discussions around the company’s assets. However, Frieze Masters, a key event under the Frieze umbrella, has recently appointed Emanuela Tarizzo as its new director. Tarizzo will be succeeding Nathan Clements-Gillespie, bringing fresh leadership to the iconic art fair.

A New Era for Endeavor and WME Group

With Silver Lake’s acquisition and the rebranding to WME Group, Ari Emanuel's new role as executive chairman signals a new era for the company. As Endeavor continues to strengthen its position in the entertainment, media, and sports sectors, the company’s future prospects remain bright under the continued leadership of Emanuel and his team. While Frieze’s ownership is still a matter of discussion, the strategic realignment paves the way for further growth and new opportunities for WME Group and its global portfolio.