Hefner Prevails in Taking Playboy Private

LOS ANGELES — Hugh Hefner has succeeded in taking Playboy private.

Hefner's Icon Acquisition Holdings LP said more than enough shares of Playboy Enterprises Inc. were tendered for the buyout to go through.

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting era for this company and our iconic brand,” Hefner said.

“I believe this new ownership structure will allow us to further capitalize on the unique and global appeal of the Playboy brand, and I look forward to our future success."

Hefner will remain editor-in-chief and chief creative officer of Playboy, with Scott Flanders continuing in his role as CEO. Both Hefner and Flanders maintain equity stakes in Playboy through their ownership interest in purchaser.

The $6.15-per-share deal was funded with $195 million of debt and $185 million from the private investment firm Rizvi Traverse and Playboy management, including Hefner.

"Our partnership with Rizvi Traverse brings Playboy new resources and expertise, which will help us more quickly and efficiently execute on our strategy to transform Playboy into a brand management company,” Flanders said.

“With this transaction completed, we can now turn our full focus on the effective management of our existing operations and the development of new business opportunities."

Under the deal, Rizvi Traverse will own about 60 percent of the company. Hefner will own about 37 percent, and other executive management will have the remaining 3 percent.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 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

Cherry Kiss Talks Perfectionism, Pressure and Loving the Grind

Cherry Kiss was en route to Exxxotica New Jersey when she learned she had received her green card. Fittingly, she had just landed at an airport in New York — home to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. After successfully navigating the naturalization process, which she describes as “hard work,” she felt grateful for the friends who helped her with all the paperwork, and has since been trying to pay it forward by helping other friends with their U.S. visa applications.

Elizabeth Skylar Stars in Christmas-Themed Elegant Angel Release

Elizabeth Skylar stars with Parker Ambrose in a scene from Elegant Angel titled “A Hotwife for Christmas.”

RM11 Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

RM11 has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

PASS Names 3 New Board Members

Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) has named RubyLynne, Beth McKenna, and Kira Noir as new members of its board of directors.

Avery Lust, Ariel Demure Headlines 'TS Chronicles 2' From TransSensual

Avery Lust and reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure topline “TS Chronicles 2” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Adriana Chechik Returns to Blacked Raw With Blake Blossom

Adriana Chechik and Blake Blossom star with Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Rocco Siffredi Makes On-Camera Return, Launches New Creator Platform

and he’s doing it in a way that reflects both his legacy and the creator-driven landscape shaping today’s market. His latest endeavor is built entirely around collaborations, an approach he says immediately energized him and clarified what this new chapter should look like.

Reagan Foxx Leads 'The Substance' Parody From MYLF

2023 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Reagan Foxx stars in MYLF's ‘The Substance’ parody, titled “A Sluttier Version of Yourself.”

Jessi Rae Makes Her Deeper Debut

Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jessi Rae has made her debut for the studio's imprint Deeper, alongside multi-XMAs winner Isiah Maxwell in “Key Mistress.”

Mark Spiegler Named XBIZ Talk Guest for 2026 LA Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that famed talent agent Mark Spiegler, impresario of the Spiegler Girls agency, will join an exclusive talk session at XBIZ 2026, the latest edition of North America’s largest adult industry conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood.

Show More