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

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