Eater, The Verge and SB Nation Sold to Penske Media
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Vox Media has sold its remaining publishing brands, including Eater, The Verge, SB Nation, Thrillist, Popsugar, The Dodo, and Punch, to Penske Media, marking the end of a multiyear sales process led by CEO Jim Bankoff.
- Earlier in May, Vox's flagship New York magazine, podcast assets, and Vox.com were sold to James Murdoch’s venture firm, with Bankoff joining the new company.
- The acquired brands and Vox’s ad tech products will be integrated into Penske Media's portfolio, which includes The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, and Variety, with Ryan Pauley transitioning to president of the new PMX division.
- Vox Media, founded in 2005 as SportsBlogs Inc., grew by launching fan-centric and Millennial-focused digital outlets like The Verge and Vox, expanding through acquisitions including Curbed, New York magazine, and Group Nine Media assets.
- Penske Media aims to leverage these digital brands’ engaged audiences to enhance its content offerings and live event productions, expanding its media and event portfolio.
