MindGeek Acquired by Ottawa Private Equity Firm

MindGeek Acquired by Ottawa Private Equity Firm

OTTAWA, Ontario — Pornhub and Brazzers parent company MindGeek has been acquired by a new Ottawa private equity firm, Ethical Capital Partners.

The news was first reported this morning by Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail. Ethical Capital Partners (ECP) also released a public statement outlining its strategy for MindGeek going forward.

ECP, the Globe and Mail reports, was “set up by criminal defense lawyers and a former law enforcement agent with ties to the Canadian cannabis industry.”

The report added that while ECP did not disclose how much it paid for MindGeek, it said that “alongside unnamed international investors who helped fund the deal, it now owns 100 percent of the company’s shares.” 

MindGeek released a statement saying it is looking forward to working with the Ethical Capital Partners team.

The new owners told the Globe and Mail that they plan to bring more transparency to Mindgeek, with ECP founding partner Solomon Friedman, an Ottawa criminal defense lawyer, telling the Globe and Mail that the new owners hope to “openly promote ‘consensual and sex-positive adult entertainment’ and spark discussions around trust and safety in sex work.”

Other reported founding partners include Friedman’s law firm partner Fady Mansour, former RCMP police officer and cannabis entrepreneur Derek Ogden and public relations strategist Sarah Bain.

“As we did our due diligence on the company,” Friedman stated, “we also learned that MindGeek has created best-in-class tools for detecting and deterring illegal online activity. We’re excited about this tech they own and we’re very proud to be new owners.”

Friedman also said that the new owners’ first course of action will be “to re-engage with the credit card companies to hopefully win back their business.” They are also looking to fill the positions of CEO and COO, which were vacated last June by the previous owners.

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

Evil Angel Drops 'Aubrey Kate's Wet N Wild'

Evil Angel has released “‘Aubrey Kate’s Wet N Wild,” the new title from the director and performer.

Cailey Katts, Nyxi Leon Lead New Scene from Grooby

Cailey Katts and Nyxi Leon star in the latest release from Grooby Girls, titled “Pussy Love.”

Ariel Demure, Jade Venus & Tori Easton Stars in Latest From TransAngels

Reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure, Jade Venus, and Tori Easton star in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Moonlight Rituals.”

Codi Vore Performs 1st Anal in Latest From Transfixed

Codi Vore performs her first anal scene with Zariah Aura in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Happy Panty-Versary."

AEBN Announces Peter Green as Top Male Boy/Girl Performer for Summer 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 male Boy/Girl performers for summer 2025, with Peter Green landing atop the leaderboard.

Spicey AI Relaunches Site, Debuts $Spicey Tokens

Interactive voice chat platform Spicey AI has relaunched its website and introduced $Spicey tokens.

FSC: Missouri Age Verification Rule Will Not Take Effect August 30

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced that Missouri's proposed age verification legislation will not take effect on August 30, as it had originally estimated.

Little Caprice, Marcello Bravo to Co-Host 2025 XMA Europa Awards

XBIZ is pleased to announce that husband-and-wife duo Little Caprice and Marcello Bravo will co-host adult’s biggest night in Europe: the 2025 XMA Europa Awards on Sept. 4, in the epic climax to XBIZ’s fall events series.

TEAs Reveal 2026 Event Dates

The 2026 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) and related festivities will take place March 6-8 at Avalon in Hollywood, organizers have announced.

Germany Will Block Payments to AV-Noncompliant Adult Sites as of Dec. 1

Starting Dec. 1, Germany will implement new rules prohibiting financial institutions from providing payment services to adult sites deemed to have inadequate age verification systems and making it easier for the government to target websites mirroring the content of such sites.

Show More