UFC’s parent company Endeavor reportedly going private

UFC’s parent company Endeavor reportedly going private

Endeavor has been making huge waves in the sporting world of late and has been ever-present in the news for its recent public comments. Despite being a force, the company has been exploring strategic alternatives for the business, with a partial or full sale being rumored.

After rejecting the idea of the UFC or WWE—another huge entity owned by the business—being sold, a new idea has surfaced. According to Silver Lake, Endeavor could now be made private.

Silver Lake announced on Wednesday that it was interested in making a proposal to Endeavor which could take place in the near future.

“Silver Lake is committed to strategies that deliver value for all shareholders of Endeavor. To that end, Silver Lake is currently working toward making a proposal to take Endeavor private. Silver Lake firmly believes in Endeavor’s business and is not interested in selling its shares in Endeavor to a third-party nor in entertaining bids for assets that are a part of Endeavor.” 

“Silver Lake is the owner of approximately 71% of the voting power of Endeavor… Silver Lake has been a committed investor since 2012 and has made significant investments in Endeavor since then to support its growth.” [h/t Business Wire]

Founded in 1999, Silver Lake is an American-based private equity firm that, as previously mentioned, holds a significant 71% of the voting power of Endeavor. With news of a strategic change coming to the UFC’s parent company, it now looks like a decision has been made to take Endeavor private.

After finalizing the purchase of WWE earlier this year, Endeavor merged the sports entertainment organization with the UFC, creating a “$21 billion powerhouse”.

Related: Dana White gives insights on UFC/WWE merger

While investors will no longer have ways to buy or sell company shares, going private can help Endeavor reconfigure. Whether they make the move to go private or not, this is a strategy that could see them go back to public once their problems have been resolved.