Endeavor Global Marketing Acquires Leading Branding Agency 160over90
Endeavor Global Marketing, Endeavor’s cultural marketing division, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire full-service branding and marketing firm 160over90, further strengthening the combined group’s ability to deliver world-class marketing programs for its clients. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
160over90’s clients span professional sports teams and leagues, higher education institutions and consumer brands, including Ferrari, the Indianapolis Colts, the Philadelphia Eagles, Texas A&M University, University of Virginia, UCLA and Under Armour.
A fully integrated agency, 160over90’s capabilities will bolster Endeavor Global Marketing’s worldwide expertise across brand strategy and activation, digital marketing, public relations, sponsorship, media buying and business intelligence.
“160over90 is unique in its commitment to sustainable brand storytelling, helping emerging and established brands and organizations connect with their constituents in compelling ways that stand out,” said Ed Horne, Executive Vice President, Endeavor Global Marketing. “This team’s expertise and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in building brands for the long term will further strengthen our collective ability to deliver strategic narratives that place brands at the center of culture.”
Following the completion of this transaction, 160over90’s approximately 180 employees will join the Endeavor Global Marketing team under the leadership of CEO and Principal John Campanella, who will report to Horne. 160over90’s Founding Partners Shannon Price Slusher and Darryl Cilli will remain directly involved with the firm and its marquee accounts. 160over90 is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with offices in Newport Beach, California; Gainesville, Florida and Columbus, Ohio.
“In joining the Endeavor Global Marketing team, we’re turbocharging our ability to deliver the unconventional, breakthrough storytelling our clients count on,” said Campanella. “This is a catalytic moment for our company and we’re excited for all that’s ahead.”
Endeavor Global Marketing’s more than 600 employees work with leading global brands including Anheuser Busch InBev, GE, Marriott, Microsoft, USAA, Visa and YMCA to position them as cultural creators across six key areas: entertainment, sports, fashion, culinary, art and music.
Endeavor Global Marketing has made a number of strategic investments across the marketing landscape in the past few years, including the acquisitions of leading experiential agencies IMG LIVE and Fusion Marketing and public relations firm Catalyst.
Endeavor Global Marketing’s acquisition of 160over90 comes on the heels of investments from Silver Lake, CPPIB, Fidelity, Focus Media, FountainVest, GIC, Mubadala, Sequoia Capital, SoftBank and Tencent in Endeavor, helping accelerate the company’s global growth strategy through acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures.
Endeavor Global Marketing will acquire 160over90 from private equity firm Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P.
About Endeavor
Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG) is a global leader in sports, entertainment and fashion operating in more than 30 countries. Named one of Fortune’s 25 Most Important Private Companies, Endeavor is comprised of a number of industry-leading companies including WME, IMG and UFC. The Endeavor network specializes in talent representation and management; brand marketing, sponsorship and licensing; media sales and distribution; event operation and management; and sports training and league development.
About 160over90
160over90 is a full-service branding and marketing firm, renowned for uncovering fundamental truths and crafting breakthrough narratives on behalf of clients. The company’s portfolio spans three highly specialized segments. In the higher education arena, the firm is agency of record for UCLA, University of Virginia, Texas A&M University and the University of Florida, among others, shepherding high-stakes admissions efforts, athletics initiatives, and multi-billion dollar fundraising campaigns. In the consumer space, 160over90 counts global brand leaders Bimbo Bakeries USA and Under Armour among its clientele. And in the world of professional sports, 160over90 represents the NFL as well as individual teams including the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts, driving affinity and fan engagement. The firm is headquartered in Philadelphia with offices in Newport Beach, CA, Gainesville, FL, and Columbus, OH. 160over90.com.
About Searchlight Capital Partners
Searchlight Capital Partners is a global private investment firm with offices in New York, London and Toronto. Searchlight seeks to invest in business where their long-term capital and strategic support accelerate value creation for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.searchlightcap.com.