xbiz world
xbiz premiere

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 © 2026 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

X3 Amsterdam Imports Hollywood Glitz With Continental Style

A throng of fans from across Europe and around the globe descended on the Passenger Terminal building on Friday, eager to meet their favorite adult stars at the inaugural X3 Amsterdam fan expo.

Jim Powers Debuts New Gender X Feature 'Transed'

Director Jim Powers has released the first two scenes from his new Gender X Films feature "Transed."

California, Florida Reps File Latest Bill to Repeal Section 230

Two members of Congress on Thursday introduced new legislation to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Amy Nosferatu Stars in 'Pin-Up Pinned Down' From TransAngels

Amy Nosferatu stars with Everlyy666 in the latest scene from TransAngels, titled “Pin-Up Pinned Down.”

Admaze Introduces Flat-Rate Media Buying for Publishers, Advertisers

Adult ad network and agency Admaze has introduced a flat-rate media buying model for publishers and advertisers.

Centro Launches Lifetime Revenue Share Affiliate Program 'CentroPulse'

Centro has launched CentroPulse, its new lifetime revenue share affiliate program for performance marketers, adult traffic affiliates, established webmasters, and sub-affiliate network operators.

Fanstage Launches Telegram Sales Solution

Fanstage has launched its new platform, allowing creators to sell PPV content directly from their Telegram DMs.

On the Set: Ricky Greenwood Goes Intergalactic With 'Mega Perv'

Somewhere on the mean streets of Downtown Los Angeles, Scott Nails wears a Speedo while being chased by a giant scrotum that resembles the boulder Indiana Jones narrowly escaped in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Second Bill Proposed to Shield US Sites From 'Foreign Censorship'

For the second time in recent weeks, a Republican congressman has introduced legislation to bar U.S. courts from helping to enforce foreign laws restricting speech that would domestically be protected under the First Amendment, potentially including foreign age verification laws.

Jessi Rae Performs Her 1st Anal in 'Equilibrium' Finale From Deeper

Jessi Rae performs her first anal scene, opposite multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones, in the final installment of “Equilibrium,” from Vixen Media Group’s studio imprint Deeper.

Show More