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Endeavor sells arts organization Frieze to Ari Emanuel

BBG News

The modern arts organization, Frieze, owned by the sports and entertainment firm based in Beverly Hills, Endeavor, is being purchased by a newly established events and experiences company founded by Ari Emanuel, who is also the founder of Endeavor.

The specific monetary aspects of the agreement remain undisclosed, but it’s anticipated that the transaction will be finalized during the third quarter and, as per Financial Times estimates, is worth approximately $200 million.

Emanuel expressed that Frieze has consistently been an inspiration, both in his professional and personal life. In a statement, he mentioned that having collaborated with their team for almost a decade, he’s witnessed the robustness of their community and the determination behind their goal to broaden the influence and comprehension of modern art. He believes Frieze is primed for additional growth and serves as a crucial foundation in our emerging global events network.

Previously serving as CEO at Endeavor, Emanuel recently transitioned into the role of Executive Chairman for their WME Group following the company’s acquisition by private investor Silver Lake earlier this year, making it a privately-held firm.

Hollywood Inc.

On Monday, the Beverly Hills-based entertainment firm Endeavor transitioned to private ownership. Previously serving as CEO, Ari Emanuel now assumes the role of Executive Chairman for the WME Group, an organization that oversees ventures like the WME talent agency and IMG Licensing.

2016 saw Endeavor take over Freize as one of its assets. As per records filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2023, Endeavor bought the remaining 30% stake for $16.5 million.

Established in 1991 by Amanda Sharp, Matthew Slotover, and Tom Gidley, the London-based Frieze originally started as a magazine focusing on contemporary art and culture. Over time, it expanded to include editorial and digital platforms. Today, this influential organization hosts art fairs not just in its hometown of London, but also in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Seoul, among others.

Over 150 people make up the workforce at this organization, and CEO Simon Fox, along with the current executive team, will remain in charge of Frieze, as stated by Endeavor.

Hollywood Inc.

Endeavor intends to transfer ownership of two of its properties to OB Global Holdings LLC, in a deal facilitated by the leadership of Endeavor’s CEO, Ari Emanuel, who is also involved as a key player in the transaction.

As I watched Endeavor soar to great heights, preparing for its transition into a public corporation in 2021, Emanuel masterfully consolidated an eclectic mix of entertainment properties under one roof. This diverse portfolio encompassed sports leagues, marketing ventures, licensing deals, and unscripted content production.

However, certain investors expressed doubts about this approach. Consequently, Endeavor divested some of these assets, such as the merger plan between UFC and WWE, forming a distinct publicly-traded entity named TKO. Notably, Endeavor transitioned to private ownership in March.

According to Brandon Ross, a partner and analyst at LightShed Partners, Endeavor is making changes to move away from the major project they previously highlighted when they were a public company. Ross further stated that Ari Emanuel’s personal aspirations and goals exceed those of the new Endeavor.

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2025-05-01 21:31

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