FriendFinder CEO Says Playboy Never Was in Running to Buy Various Inc.

CHICAGO — Rumors that Playboy was looking to buy Various Inc., the then-parent of FriendFinder, two years ago are false, according to FriendFinder’s CEO.

PaidContent.org, a New York-based news site owned by U.K.-based media company Guardian News and Media Ltd., reported Wednesday that Playboy was ready to purchase the FriendFinder properties before Penthouse Media Group purchased it for $500 million in December 2007.

Penthouse later changed its name to FriendFinder, and the company is still in a quiet period before it launches an announced initial public offering.

According to the article, PaidContent said that Playboy didn’t have the wherewithal to purchase Various. The news site said that it confirmed the story with “multiple sources.”

“The talks didn’t become too serious after Playboy realized its market cap was nowhere near where it could afford to buy a big cash generating machine like Friendfinder, whose adult-related dating sites has been its cash cow for most part,” the article said.

But FriendFinder CEO Marc Bell told XBIZ that the rumor is just that.

“I have no idea where they got that information,” he said. “To be honest, Playboy wasn’t one of the bidders. There were five funds in contention, and we were the ones who purchased the company.”

Playboy’s Theresa Hennessey told XBIZ that the company doesn’t comment on rumors.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Hentaied Founder Romero 'Mr. Alien' on Fetish, Fantasy and Finding Order in Chaos

A sharp sting pierces the woman’s skin. Something foreign slips beneath the surface. Eggs, maybe. She doesn’t know it yet, but soon her body will become a vessel, a hive, a source of contamination.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for the months of July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Guardian Devotes Feature Article to XBIZ Amsterdam

British newspaper The Guardian sent a reporter to cover XBIZ Amsterdam earlier this month, resulting in a lengthy article about the annual European adult industry conference.

Bree Mills Unpacks Power, Pain and Family Ties in New Pure Taboo Film

Bell is shooting a scene for “The Secrets We Share,” a new feature from Pure Taboo and Adult Time — and moments like this remind the crew that they are not out to make just another adult movie.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Keiran Lee in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Slippery Business."

Pineapple Support Taps Char Borley as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named Char Borley as its newest brand ambassador.

Adult Time Drops Bree Mills' 'Hard Stop Reunion' Documentary, New Scene

Adult Time has released a documentary feature on the recent Bree Mills-helmed drama “Hard Stop” as well as a new cast orgy scene, titled “Hard Stop Reunion Orgy.”

Gal Ritchie Performs Her 1st Anal for Brazzers

Gal Ritchie performs her first anal scene alongside Ricky Johnson in the latest Brazzers release, titled “Say Hello to My Little Arsehole.”

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Show More