The Miss Universe Organization is no longer part of Endeavor’s IMG family.
The global leader in events and media has announced Wednesday that it had sold the Miss Universe Organization to Thailand-based media company JKN Global Media Public Company Limited.
IMG purchased Miss Universe Organization’s first assets in 2015.
Amy Emmerich will continue as CEO, and Paula Shugart as President.
“We are proud of our team’s success growing and expanding the Miss Universe Organization by utilizing the power of the Endeavor network, drawing on expertise across talent, digital, content, partnerships and licensing,”Mark Shapiro, President of Endeavor, made the statement in a statement. “We’re equally proud of the progress the organization has made in becoming a more inclusive and powerful platform where women can advance both their business objectives and their cause-based work.”
MUO CEO Emmerich added, “We look forward to this next chapter in the Miss Universe story. In the short time I’ve been with the organization, I’ve seen firsthand the passion of our employees, franchisees, and partners, as well as our incredible community. Paula and I see tremendous opportunity with JKN to create further growth for this organization on the global stage and women around the world. Despite having recently celebrated the organization’s legacy of more than 70 years, we are just getting started.”
The Miss Universe Pageant, which broadcasts in 165 nations and maintains 23 million social media followers around the globe, is selling the tickets.
IMG was represented by The Raine Group as its exclusive financial advisor. Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal advisor to IMG.
“We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team,”Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip was the CEO of JKN Global Group in a statement. “The global reach of the Organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio. We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation.”
