London-based Iconix Group, which was interested in buying/licensing Playboy brand from the parent company, is reportedly now breaking off talks after realizing the deal would have been too complicated, reports Bloomberg, citing sources.
Separating the brand from the mag, TV and online assets, and possibly most importantly, from Hugh Hefner, may have proved too much to undo. Playboy already announced outsourcing its print ops to American Media last month, and has been looking for a buyer or partner on the TV and digital side. Among the names in the fray looking to take over the TV/digital side include Cisneros Group, the South American media giant with which Playboy already has international TV deals, and Penthouse owner Friendfinder Group.
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