FriendFinder Raises $551 Million, Preparing for 3 'Big Initiatives'

BOCA RATON — FriendFinder Networks Inc., owner of Penthouse magazine and numerous adult and social networking sites has reportedly raised $551 million in debt financing.

Although no details were revealed, FriendFinder CEO Marc Bell said he is preparing for “three big initiatives.”

Last July, the company bid $210 million for Playboy Enterprises only days after Playboy founder Hugh Hefner offered $5.50 per share ($185 million) for the stock to take his company private.

At the time of the offering Bell said, "We believe that together we can create a 21st century media powerhouse and generate tremendous synergies through the combination of Playboy’s iconic brands and licensing engine with the Penthouse brands and the demonstrated technological innovations of FriendFinder Networks."

Playboy recently announced that a special panel was formed to review Hefner’s original proposal but it’s unclear if the FriendFinder bid to buy the company is still on the table.

FriendFinder indefinitely pulled its own $240 million IPO plans earlier this year citing poor market conditions.

According to SEC filings, as of Sept. 30, FriendFinder was carrying $470 million in debt. Bell said that the company will generate about $345 million in revenue with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $100 million this year.

Commenting on the new financing, Bell said, "We're always looking to raise capital to grow the business."

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

German Court: Regulator Can't Block Entire IG Accounts, Only Posts

A German court has ruled that while a regional media regulatory agency may block specific Instagram posts that include material deemed harmful to minors, it cannot ban an entire Instagram account due to such a post.

Brazil Lays Out Preliminary Guidelines for New AV Requirements

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday signed a decree establishing guidelines for new regulations requiring adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Senate Committee Debates Section 230 Reform

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing Wednesday on potential changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Samantha Reigns Stars in St. Paddy's Day-Themed Release From TeamSkeet

Samantha Reigns stars with Donnie Rock in a new St. Patrick’s Day-themed scene from TeamSkeet series “Brat Tamer,” titled “St. Patrick's Day Nipple Pinching.”

Pearl Industry Network Offers Free Creator Memberships

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched its free creator membership initiative.

Adult Time, SX Originals Debut BTS Doc for 'Charlotte Sins: First Gangbang'

Adult Time and SX Originals have released a behind-the-scenes documentary on its scene “Charlotte Sins: First Gangbang.”

Sam Bird Acquires Fanblast

Sam Bird, former co-director of global talent agency Surge, has acquired creator monetization tool Fanblast and named himself CEO.

Dainty Wilder: From Shy Figure Skater to Squirting Superstar

Upon request, Dainty Wilder will enthusiastically perform explicit sex acts for her adoring fans during a livestream — but she does have certain limits.

Reptyle to Premiere Cross-Site Release 'Spring Break '26'

Reptyle will debut its new cross-site release, "Spring Break '26," across studio imprints TeamSkeet and Family Strokes.

Aleksa Mink, Payton Preslee Star in Latest From Lesbian X

Aleksa Mink and Payton Preslee star in the latest release from X Empire studio brand Lesbian X, titled “Curvy Girls Playtime.”

Show More