Private Media Group, a public company listed on the Nasdaq, operates a global content distribution network with a wide range of platforms including mobile telephone handsets via 85 network operators in 36 countries, digital TV via 35 platforms in 18 countries, broadband Internet, television broadcasting, DVDs and magazines.
According to the company, the acquisition extends PMG's position as the leading global distributor of premium adult content and gives the company a leadership position in a key vertical market. This move follows the January acquisition of Gamelink, a global leader in VOD, and adds a new market segment to PMG's distribution channels.
Owner of Maleflixxx.tv and SplashShots.com, as well as an extensive international affiliate program, Sureflix operates a network of websites and has a North American broadcast presence, which the company leverages to represent premium production studios in the cable, satellite, mobile, IPTV and Internet VOD markets.
The acquisition, made in exchange for Private common stock, adds Sureflix' significant content heritage, VOD technology and marketing expertise to Private's growing portfolio.
Private CEO Ilan Bunimovitz said that the acquisition is the next step in the company's ongoing expansion of its global digital media platform.
"It adds another dimension to our platform and broadens our market knowledge," Bunimovitz offered. "In 2009 we entered the VOD and U.S. markets through the acquisition of GameLink [and we] completed a joint venture with BlueBird Films, utilizing our distribution platform to bring their movies to market in multiple channels worldwide.
"With Sureflix, we are extending our platform and expertise into the gay market," Bunimovitz added. "We will continue to expand our reach by building solutions, partnering when necessary, and acquiring companies that enhance the value of our platform."
For his part, Sureflix President Eric Johnson sees compelling synergies between Sureflix and Private.
"It is hard to imagine a better fit across all aspects of a deal," Johnson said. "Sureflix wanted stronger penetration into distribution channels that Private dominates. Private wanted a strong entry into our vertical and access to territories we have been developing for years. Sureflix wanted access to Private's core product with a broad ecommerce platform. The list of complementary attributes goes on and on.
"As part of Private, we will be able to offer producers the most developed distribution network in the industry and like Private, we occupy far more shelf space in our existing channels by delivering a broad catalog of premium content," Johnson added. "This deal opens many revenue channels and allows us to deliver the distribution muscle of a storied international brand to our premium catalog."
A definitive acquisition agreement was signed on Oct. 9 and the transaction is expected to close in November. The acquisition agreement reportedly provides for the issuance of 3.9 million unregistered shares, or six percent of total shares outstanding following issuance, of Private common stock to the owners of Sureflix and related companies upon completion of the acquisition, and up to an additional 2.1 million shares of Private common stock based on earnout targets.
"Sureflix was an important deal," Bunimovitz concluded, "but it must be viewed in the context of an aggressive growth plan fueled by solidifying our position in emerging markets, completing accretive acquisitions that fill strategic gaps and growing our share in existing markets by aggregating premium content for our global network."
