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 Expo Kicks Into Gear With an All-Star Lineup

Outside the historic Hollywood Palladium on Friday, a huge line of fans lined Sunset Boulevard, eagerly awaiting the opening of the 2026 X3 Expo and their big chance to meet the cream of the crop of adult stars.

2026 XMAs: Watch the Global Live Broadcast

The 2026 XMAs, presented by Fansly, will stream live to a global audience via the official event website, welcoming fans worldwide to join a celebration of excellence in adult entertainment.

2026 XBIZ Honors Salutes Resilience Across the Online Adult Industry

The 2026 XBIZ Honors packed house Wednesday night, turning the Kimpton Everly Hotel’s Nichols Ballroom into a gala celebration of industry excellence.

Zara Makes Her Studio Debut for Blacked

Newcomer Zara has made her studio debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked, alongside Anton Harden.

Elevated X Adds CCBill Integration for Payment Processing

Elevated X has added CCBill integration for payment processing to its ELXNexus traffic management and affiliate program software.

Kylie Rocket Leads Dorcel's 'Couture No. 4'

Kylie Rocket headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 4.”

Anna de Ville Toplines Latest 'Desperate Anal MILFs' From David Perry

Anna de Ville headlines the seventh volume of director David Perry's "Desperate Anal MILFs," now available from Evil Angel.

Alexa Leigh Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Alexa Leigh stars with her husband Keith and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with Derek Savage and Jack Blaque in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Meet and Skeet."

Cléa Gaultier Directs 'Follow Me #2' From Dorcel

Cléa Gaultier directs in latest release from Dorcel, titled “Follow Me #2.”

Show More