WME-IMG announced the formation of a new holding company, Endeavor, which will take on the full portfolio of owned and operated brands formerly under the WME-IMG banner.
“WME-IMG represented a pivotal moment in our company’s history, but it does not accurately reflect the extent of our diversity or indicate where we’re headed,” remarked Ariel Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor. “In creating Endeavor, we now have a holding company that represents the very definition of the word itself, constantly striving to push boundaries on behalf of our clients and owned properties.”
The new entity will be led by Emanuel as CEO and Patrick Whitesell as executive chairman, both of whom will continue to sit on the company’s board.
“Our business at its core remains rooted in access, service and creativity,” said Whitesell. “The one substantial difference is that unlike 20 years ago, we’re now sitting at the center of an incredible global network. We have the relationships and the platforms to help our clients and partners extend their reach and bring their creative initiatives to life.”
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Beginning with Silver Lake’s initial investment in WME in 2012, Endeavor has attracted strategic partners including CPPIB, Fidelity, Focus Media, FountainVest, GIC, Mubadala, Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, and Tencent.
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The Endeavor family includes the following: WME, a leading global entertainment agency representing a powerful client roster across motion picture, television, sports, music, books, digital and theater; IMG, a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion; UFC, the world’s premier professional mixed martial arts (MMA) organization; Droga5, Cannes Lions Independent Agency of the Year; Professional Bull Riders; the Miss Universe Organization; and Frieze, a leading arts and media company.
Endeavor also encompasses a range of premium properties and agencies, including comedic management house Dixon Talent and artist management and consulting agency the Wall Group. Additionally, the Endeavor family includes a number of strategic joint ventures, among them Euroleague Basketball and ELeague, an eSports league created in conjunction with Turner, as well as a subsidiary in China focused on advancing the company’s growth in the country.
