There’s rumors afloat that Playboy is looking to bid for Dick Clark Productions. Only if Fabian Thylmann’s getting out of porn.
from www.thecelebritycafe.com – Dick Clark Productions is currently owned by RedZone Capital, an investment firm whose main shareholder is Dan Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins.
RedZone has reportedly hired investment bank Raine Group to explore a possible deal.
Clark sold DCP in 2001, although he remained its CEO until his stroke in 2004. RedZone purchased a 60 percent stake in the company three years later.
A spokeswoman for Playboy denied the company’s interest in purchasing DCP. Playboy went private last year when founder Hugh Hefner, 86, made a deal with Rizvi Traverse Management.
Many say that such a purchase is a long shot since Playboy is noted for its adult entertainment, while DCP is known for more family-friendly entertainment.
However, other potential buyers include American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, who has filled in for Clark in the past for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration.
Other potential buyers include Core Media, which also has a stake in American Idol, which Seacrest hosts.
DCP also produced the Golden Globe Awards show and is reportedly looking at a price range of $350 million-$400 million. Some have stated that this asking price is too high, since RedZone paid only $175 million.
Clark died in April at age 82.