Zuffa in "Advanced Talks" for selling the UFC to Chinese Company

[Aesopian]

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Report-Zuffa-in-Advanced-Talks-to-Sell-UFC-Winning-Bid-Could-Total-3634-Billion-104761

Ultimate Fighting Championship parent company Zuffa LLC is in “advanced talks” to sell the UFC, according to a report from ESPN.com.

ESPN reports that at least four companies have submitted bids to purchase the Las Vegas-based organization, and that the UFC’s final valuation could land between $3.5 and $4 billion.

The bidders reportedly on the short list of potential purchasers are: Blackstone Group, an American corporation based in New York City; China Media Capital, a state-backed venture capital firm based in Beijing; WME/IMG, a management company which represents numerous athletes, including former UFC champion Ronda Rousey; and Dalian Wanda Group, a Chinese conglomerate which last year purchased Hollywood’s Legendary Entertainment for a rumored $3.5 billion.

ESPN’s sources marked Dalian Wanda as the front-runner in the bidding to purchase UFC, which Zuffa acquired from Semaphore Entertainment in 2001 for only $2 million.

Dave Sholler, UFC vice president of public relations and athlete marketing, declined to comment on the rumored sale.

“As a private company, we don’t discuss speculation or rumors related to our business,” Sholler told ESPN.

UFC does not publicly reveal financial information. However, UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta in December told CNN that the company took in approximately $600 million in gross revenue in 2015.
Read more at http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Re...Total-3634-Billion-104761#6bqeEWccSFtyWfF7.99

 

[Ares]

Over/under 10 posts before this thread is about how boxing fans think MMA is stupid and a debate of boxing vs MMA ensues?

 

[Warrior Spirit]

Over/under 10 posts before this thread is about how boxing fans think MMA is stupid and a debate of boxing vs MMA ensues?

In reality, MMA has surpassed boxing. In 2002, the Fertitta brothers, urged by Dana White, bought UFC for 2 mil. Today it's worth is put at 2,000 times that.

White denies the UFC is for sale. He does have a minor stake, owns 9%. He recently stated the UFC always gets offers and turned an offer of 1 billion dollars down in 2010. He said the company is looking to expand more, not outright sell. If a major deal does happen, I'd suspect it wouldn't be finalized for a couple of months and White would maintain his stake in the company and his position of President of the company.

 

[Camden Cutler]

ha ha huh ha ha

 

[Warrior Spirit]

Update. Reports say bidding for UFC will end this week and the expected sale price for 100% of the company will be 4 billion dollars.

 

[Ares]

2M to 4B..... das a decent return on investment.

 

[Warrior Spirit]

2M to 4B..... das a decent return on investment.

Indeed. That's where they were at last month. Now it's said bidding will end at 4. Even Dana with only owning 9% will get a helluva return, over $300,000,000.

 

[SilenceS]

Fucking Chinese!

 

[Ares]

Indeed. That's where they were at last month. Now it's said bidding will end at 4. Even Dana with only owning 9% will get a helluva return, over $300,000,000.

300,000,000 roughly 27$ post taxes.... pretty sweet

 

[Warrior Spirit]

Up to 4.1 billion. Hell, I'd happily take the .1

 

[Ares]

Up to 4.1 billion. Hell, I'd happily take the .1

After taxes you would have a shiny new 25 cent Quarter.... pretty fucking sweet man

 

[Warrior Spirit]

Deal has been agreed upon and an official announcement from UFC can be expected as early as today. The WME-IMG group are the new owners and the deal set to be finalized prior to UFC 202. Dana White says little will change as he will still be the President doing what he does now, just doing it without his best friend and partner. Employees and fighters of the UFC have been notified of the sale.

The $4 billion sum to be paid for UFC is is expected to be the largest in sports history. It marks a nearly 2,000 percent return for Zuffa, which bought UFC for $2 million in 2001.

 

[brett05]

Deal has been agreed upon and an official announcement from UFC can be expected as early as today. The WME-IMG group are the new owners and the deal set to be finalized prior to UFC 202. Dana White says little will change as he will still be the President doing what he does now, just doing it without his best friend and partner. Employees and fighters of the UFC have been notified of the sale.

The $4 billion sum to be paid for UFC is is expected to be the largest in sports history. It marks a nearly 2,000 percent return for Zuffa, which bought UFC for $2 million in 2001.

Ya nailed it Spartan

 

[number51]

Deal has been agreed upon and an official announcement from UFC can be expected as early as today. The WME-IMG group are the new owners and the deal set to be finalized prior to UFC 202. Dana White says little will change as he will still be the President doing what he does now, just doing it without his best friend and partner. Employees and fighters of the UFC have been notified of the sale.

The $4 billion sum to be paid for UFC is is expected to be the largest in sports history. It marks a nearly 2,000 percent return for Zuffa, which bought UFC for $2 million in 2001.

There will be some changes, PED's will be mandatory.

Poor Bones Jones, it's all about the timing.

 

[Warrior Spirit]

There will be some changes, PED's will be mandatory.

Poor Bones Jones, it's all about the timing.

Word is the banned substances were estrogen blockers. By themselves, they are not PEDs nor do they afford any of the advantages PEDs do. They are banned substances because they are often used to mitigate the side effects of steroids.

 

[SilenceS]

I cant wait until they pay Lesnar 5 million next time and all the haters up in arms again.

 

[Warrior Spirit]

I cant wait until they pay Lesnar 5 million next time and all the haters up in arms again.

He got the most (2.5 mil) at UFC 200. I didn't think he was too impressive though. Looked afraid to puch. Have no idea why Hunt didn't just throw a lot more punches. No need to worry about counter punches. Brock isn't paid to be impressive though. Historically he's been the biggest PPV draw.

 

[SilenceS]

He got the most (2.5 mil) at UFC 200. I didn't think he was too impressive though. Looked afraid to puch. Have no idea why Hunt didn't just throw a lot more punches. No need to worry about counter punches. Brock isn't paid to be impressive though. Historically he's been the biggest PPV draw.

He out powered Hunt. Hunt kept saying how strong he was when he took him down. He dominated the fight. Pretty impressive for a guy with a 5 year lay off and is considered an infant in the sport. He laid some good ground and pound punches. But, yes, he is the biggest draw even over Connor. I think UFC would do business with him again.