Silver Lake Completes $25B Endeavor Acquisition, Emanuel Becomes Executive Chairman

Private equity firm Silver Lake has finalized a $25 billion deal to take Endeavor Group Holdings private, acquiring all outstanding shares it did not already own. This transaction marks the largest public-to-private investment in the media and entertainment sector to date. Following the acquisition, Endeavor's representation businesses will operate under the name WME Group, with Ari Emanuel as executive chairman and Mark Shapiro as president and managing partner. Emanuel received a cash payment of $173.8 million as part of the deal, while his colleague Patrick Whitesell received $100 million as they transition to new roles. TKO Group, which oversees the UFC and WWE, retains a controlling stake under Endeavor, now valued at $25 billion. The deal highlights Silver Lake's commitment to enhancing value in representation and content across the new organizational structure.