Penthouse Media Group Purchases Adult Friend Finder for $500 Million

BOCA RATON, Fla. — The rumor that would not go away has turned out to be true. Penthouse Media Group Inc. announced today that it has purchased Various Inc., the Internet social networking behemoth that owns Adult Friend Finder, in a deal that is worth $500 million in cash and securities.

The announcement, made in a press release this morning, states that Various boasts an extensive affiliate network as well as a rapidly growing member base of more than 260 million consumers and a total paid subscriber list in excess of 1.2 million. Various operates more than 25 online communities including adultfriendfinder.com, which is a top 50 Web site nationwide with more than 18 million members.

"With $340 million in projected 2007 combined revenues, this acquisition makes Penthouse the largest adult entertainment company in the world," the press release reads.

“We are very excited to welcome Various and its employees as a part of the Penthouse family,” Penthouse Media Group CEO Marc H. Bell said. “Various is an attractive addition to our already strong print platform, and one that puts Penthouse in a very robust position in the ever-growing online social networking arena. We like where the business combination puts us and that this transaction will enhance PMGI’s current and future licensing, print and interactive ventures.”

“We are excited to be combining our substantial internet presence with one of the most recognized adult entertainment brands in the world,” Lars Mapstead, VP of Marketing for Various, Inc, said. “Together we will expand in many areas, both online and offline, to solidify our position as the world leader in adult entertainment.”

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

Industry Photog, 'Payout' Founder Mike B Passes Away

Longtime industry photographer and publisher Michael Bartholomey, known widely as Mike B, passed away Saturday.

FSC Announces 2025 Board of Directors Election Nominees

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the nominees for its 2025 Board of Directors election.

AdultHTML Launches Black Friday Web Design, Development Promo

AdultHTML has launched its annual Black Friday/Cyber Monday promo for web design and development, running through Dec. 5.

Canada Exempts Online Adult Content From 'CanCon' Quotas

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has updated its broadcasting regulatory policies, exempting streaming adult content from “made in Canada” requirements that apply to other online material.

Creator Law Firm 'OnlyFirm' Launches

Entertainment attorney Alex Lonstein has officially launched OnlyFirm.com for creators.

German Court Puts Pornhub, YouPorn 'Network Ban' on Hold

The Administrative Court of Düsseldorf has temporarily blocked the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia (LfM) from forcing telecom providers to cut off access to Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn.

FSC: NC Law Invalidating Model Contracts Takes Effect December 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced today that North Carolina's Prevent Exploitation of Women and Minors Act goes into effect on December 1.The announcement follows:

Ofcom Investigates More Sites in Wake of AV Traffic Shifts

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into 20 more adult sites as part of its age assurance enforcement program under the Online Safety Act.

MintStars Launches Debit Card for Creators

MintStars has launched its MintStars Creator Card, powered by Payy.

xHamster Settles Texas AV Lawsuit, Pays $120,000

Hammy Media, parent company of xHamster, has settled a lawsuit brought by the state of Texas over alleged noncompliance with the state’s age verification law, agreeing to pay a $120,000 penalty.

Show More