Art Dealer Frieze Acquired by New Business Established by Ari Emanuel
Frieze's Ownership Shuffle: Ari Emanuel Steps Up as New Boss
The long-standing rumor mill around Frieze, the global art powerhouse encompassing a London magazine and various world art fairs, has finally come to a halt. Hollywood heavyweight Endeavor Group Holdings, the parent company of the renowned talent agency, has offloaded Frieze to a freshly minted company helmed by Ari Emanuel, Endeavor's former CEO. The sale is set to close by the third quarter of this year, as reported by the Financial Times, with a sizzling $200 million estimated valuation – according to sources.
(Note: While the deal's terms have not been officially disclosed, it's been said that Emanuel had already garnered $100 million backing his takeover as of January.)
By the Numbers
In a release, Frieze's distinguished crew, including CEO Simon Fox, will continue their roles in the new company. Hop on the rollercoaster rideback, as Endeavor was fully swept up by private equity firm Silver Lake in March, with the sale being first pitched in October of last year. Reports suggested that the deal initially included two tennis tournaments – Miami Open and Madrid Open – which raised the deal's value to over $1 billion, according to Bloomberg in April.
(*Note: It's worth mentioning that this purchase was boosted by a consortium of investors, including Apollo Global Management and RedBird Capital Partner, but the tennis tournaments weren't part of the aforementioned deal. However, they are still kicking tires to get their hands on those events from Endeavor.)
A New Direction Under Ari Emanuel
Frieze first seized the limelight when, under Emanuel's leadership, Endeavor nabbed a piece of the action in 2016. At the time, Frieze was already operating art fairs in London and New York. This strategic move led to the launch of two fresh fairs – in Los Angeles (2019) and Seoul (2022). Last but certainly not least, in 2023, the brand made headlines when it scooped up two ailing US fairs – Expo Chicago and the Armory Show in New York.
The action surrounding Frieze has been fiery hot, with Expo Chicago hanging up its hat just a few days back and Frieze New York gearing up to launch at the Shed next Wednesday. This event is one of several simultaneous fairs that will unfurl across the city.
(Note: Contrary to recent media rumbles, no specific 2023 valuation from the Financial Times can be pinpointed. As of the most current major transaction relayed in the spring of 2025, Ari Emanuel has been confirmed as the new owner in a reported $200 million deal.)
In an official statement, Emanuel shared, "Frieze has always stirred my professional curiosity and personal passion. Having worked hand-in-hand with this dynamic team for nearly a decade, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible community they've built and the relentless drive behind their commitment to broaden the scope and influence of contemporary art. Frieze is poised for extraordinary growth and represents the backbone of our new global events empire."
Under Ari Emanuel's leadership, Frieze, a global art powerhouse, is projected to undergo significant growth as it transitions to a new company. The new company, estimated to be worth $200 million, will continue to operate under the guidance of its distinguished crew, including CEO Simon Fox.
As part of its expansion, Frieze has already made strategic moves such as launching art fairs in Los Angeles, Seoul, and acquiring Expo Chicago and the Armory Show in New York.
In the realm of contemporary art and business, technology will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Frieze's endeavors, as it aims to broaden its scope and deepen its influence in the global art market.
