A partnership led by Hugh M. Hefner has succeeded in taking "Playboy" private, with Playboy Enterprises Inc. acquired by Hefner's Icon Acquisition Holdings LP.
In the newly structured deal, Hef will remain editor-in-chief/chief creative officer of "Playboy", with private investment firm Rizvi Traverse owning approximately 60 percent, Hefner with 37 percent and other executive management retaining the remaining 3 percent.
"Today marks the beginning of an exciting era for this company and our iconic brand," said Hef. "I believe this new ownership structure will allow us to further capitalize on the unique and global appeal of the 'Playboy' brand, and I look forward to our future success."
Through licensing agreements, the "Playboy" brand appears on a wide range of consumer products in more than 150 countries, including the upcoming NBC dramatic pilot "Playboy", focusing on Hef's Playboy Clubs throughout the early 1960's.
Emmy award winner Alan Taylor ("The Sopranos"), director of AMC's Emmy-nominated pilot "Mad Men", will direct NBC's "Playboy" TV pilot, from a script by Chad Hodge.
Hodge's script follows a group of women working as Playboy 'Bunnies' in the first Chicago Playboy club.
At the time, Bunnies wore a costume called a "bunny suit" inspired by the tuxedo-wearing "Playboy Magazine" rabbit mascot.
The first Playboy nightclub debuted @ 116 E. Walton, Chicago, Illinois, February 29, 1960, as a cocktail bar with entertainment, featuring Bunnies serving drinks to keyholders and performances by big names in comedy and jazz music .
There were different types of Bunnies, including the 'Door Bunny', 'Cigarette Bunny', 'Floor Bunny' and the 'Playmate Bunny'.
To become a Bunny, women were selected from auditions, then trained to identify 143 brands of liquor and 20 cocktail variations.
A Bunny also had to master required maneuvers including the 'Bunny Stance', standing with legs together, back arched and hips tucked under. When the Bunny is resting, she must do the 'Bunny Perch', sitting on the back of a chair, sofa, or railing.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek the "Playboy Clubs"...
"Today marks the beginning of an exciting era for this company and our iconic brand," said Hef. "I believe this new ownership structure will allow us to further capitalize on the unique and global appeal of the 'Playboy' brand, and I look forward to our future success."
Through licensing agreements, the "Playboy" brand appears on a wide range of consumer products in more than 150 countries, including the upcoming NBC dramatic pilot "Playboy", focusing on Hef's Playboy Clubs throughout the early 1960's.
Emmy award winner Alan Taylor ("The Sopranos"), director of AMC's Emmy-nominated pilot "Mad Men", will direct NBC's "Playboy" TV pilot, from a script by Chad Hodge.
Hodge's script follows a group of women working as Playboy 'Bunnies' in the first Chicago Playboy club.
At the time, Bunnies wore a costume called a "bunny suit" inspired by the tuxedo-wearing "Playboy Magazine" rabbit mascot.
The first Playboy nightclub debuted @ 116 E. Walton, Chicago, Illinois, February 29, 1960, as a cocktail bar with entertainment, featuring Bunnies serving drinks to keyholders and performances by big names in comedy and jazz music .
There were different types of Bunnies, including the 'Door Bunny', 'Cigarette Bunny', 'Floor Bunny' and the 'Playmate Bunny'.
To become a Bunny, women were selected from auditions, then trained to identify 143 brands of liquor and 20 cocktail variations.
A Bunny also had to master required maneuvers including the 'Bunny Stance', standing with legs together, back arched and hips tucked under. When the Bunny is resting, she must do the 'Bunny Perch', sitting on the back of a chair, sofa, or railing.
The most famous maneuver was the 'Bunny Dip', gracefully leaning backwards while bending at the knees, allowing the Bunny to serve drinks while keeping her low-cut costume in place.
Strict regulations were usually enforced at the clubs by 'special workers' in the guise of patrons, with dating or mingling with customers forbidden.
Strict regulations were usually enforced at the clubs by 'special workers' in the guise of patrons, with dating or mingling with customers forbidden.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek the "Playboy Clubs"...
