Porn-driven OnlyFans could sell for billions despite ‘filth factor'
London-based OnlyFans is reportedly in discussions to sell for as much as $8 billion (€7bn), Reuters has reported, citing unnamed sources.
The internet content service, widely known for being popular with sex workers, despite hosting other content creators, including musicians and comedians as well, has been in talks about a deal since March with US-based investment firm Forest Road Company.
However, the New York Post has also reported that the firm is struggling to find a buyer.
The newspaper also cited unnamed sources, saying: 'You're looking to find billionaires and trying to sell it as not an adult content company but just a platform like X that allows adult content,' the source said. 'But I think most people right now view OnlyFans as an adult content company.'
Despite the good profits generated by OnlyFans, the 'filth factor' limits the price tag, to a relatively modest three to five times EBITDA, a financial indicator of the earnings of a company. The value of OnlyFans is somewhere between $1.46bn and $2.42bn (€1.29bn and €2.14bn), the newspaper reported.
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OnlyFans is currently owned by Fenix International Ltd, and the sole shareholder is Ukrainian-American Leonid Radvinsky. He bought the company in 2018 and has paid himself at least $1 billion in dividends over the past three years, British filings showed.
The company's revenue has been growing. In the year ended November 2023, the company generated $485 million (€428m) in profits and $6.6bn (€5.82bn) in revenues. OnlyFans charges 20% from its 4 million creators, who make content for 300 million subscribers.
Despite the news reports about the company struggling to sell and the fact that it is out of touch for banks to invest in due to its x-rated content, Reuters said that Fenix International Ltd is also in talks with other potential suitors and that an initial public offering, selling the company's shares on a stock market, is also being considered.
According to unnamed sources, the company could reach a deal in the next week or two.
OnlyFans did not immediately respond to Euronews Business's request for comment.
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