Silver Lake Finalizes $25B Endeavor Buyout as Company Transforms into WME Group
Silver Lake has completed its $25 billion acquisition of Endeavor, purchasing all outstanding shares at $27.50 per share—a 55% premium over the pre-announcement stock price. The company has now been delisted from NYSE and rebranded as WME Group.
NYSE facade at Wall Street
The acquisition brings together several major entertainment assets under the WME Group umbrella, including:
- WME talent agency
- 160over90 marketing agency
- IMG Licensing
- Pantheon Media Group
Key backers of the deal include Mubadala Investment Company, DFO Management, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and CPP Investments.
Leadership changes following the acquisition:
- Ari Emanuel moves to Executive Chairman
- Mark Shapiro becomes President and Managing Partner
Silver Lake Co-CEO Egon Durban highlighted the company's growth under Emanuel and Whitesell's leadership, noting that revenue has increased twentyfold since Silver Lake's initial 2012 investment. The transaction represents Silver Lake's largest portfolio position and marks one of the entertainment industry's biggest deals to date.
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The private equity firm expects continued growth across WME Group's media, sports, and entertainment divisions, positioning the company for expanded influence in the global entertainment landscape.
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