OnlyFans contemplates $8 billion divestment

The explicit content platform Onlyfans is preparing to capitalise on its popularity, which has grown since the lockdown, with a sale that could be worth up to USD 8 billion. The company, Reuters reports citing anonymous sources, has been in talks since at least March with the Forest Road Company, a Californian investment company, for a transaction with unknown terms. The company, the news agency reported, may also be in contact with other suitors.

OnlyFans, based in London and owned by Ukrainian billionaire Leonid Radvinsky, known for hosting pornographic and adult content banned on most other social networks, is looking to move away from hardcore content to focus on less explicit material. Already since 2018, it has steadily expanded its base of comedians, chefs, personal trainers and other types of creators to broaden its user base.

In the fiscal year ending 30 November 2023, according to owner Fenix international, it recorded a 20 per cent increase in profits to approximately USD 485.5 million

Forest Road is an investment company founded in 2017 with a focus on media and digital content, as well as energy and life sciences. It acquired a Formula E team in 2024 and bought a boutique investment bank in the same year.

Some of its executives joined a specialised takeover firm that sought to list OnlyFans in 2022, reported Reuters, citing sources and documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.