WWE Endeavorowned UFC will merge to create US21 billion entertainment giant

CALIFORNIA – World Wrestling Entertainment Inc will combine with Endeavor Group-owned mixed martial arts franchise UFC to form a new, publicly listed entertainment giant valued at about US$21 billion (S$27.94 billion), the companies said on Monday. The deal unites two of the biggest names in wrestling and entertainment and caps a months-long sale process for WWE, overseen by its co-founder and executive chairman Vince McMahon, who returned to the company’s board in January. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring together two leading pure-play sports and entertainment companies,” Endeavor chief executive officer Ari Emanuel said on an investor call, describing…