Bertelsmann Media to buy large stake in UFC?
June 17, 2008 by Adam Morgan
MMA Payout has the juicy details on this rumor:
In what would fit the bill as an industry changing announcement, MMAPayout.com has learned that Bertelsmann Media, a German based international entertainment company, is rumored to have had advanced discussions about acquiring a controlling interest in Zuffa.
Bertelsmann is a publicly traded company with a market cap in excess of $1 billion euros. The multinational media company owns Random House and a 50% stake in Sony BMG Music among a host of other media holdings. Sources have told MMAPayout.com that the company’s interest in acquiring Zuffa dates back to last fall.
And the plot thickens. Will this be Dana White’s announcement? Only time will tell and tomorrow can’t get here soon enough to put this speculation nonsense to rest.
This actually is a huge announcement. But most of the forum/nerds will think it’s not a big deal. They’ll want a TV deal. But this’ll lead to a TV deal.
I’m not sure if the Fertitas will give up a controlling interest in the company… we’ll see though.
With Dana being a control freak, i cant see teh Fertitta’s having a much different view. So, I cant see this happening??
Then, call me dumb, but what would this do for the average fan???? How would this changes things??? etc, etc….
#3, that isn’t a dumb question.
This wouldn’t necessarily immediately change anything, however what it does do is:
1. Gives the UFC more capital to use
2. Availability of more highly trained managerial specialists.
3. Provides a world wide network that they can use to launch better in other places.
4. Provides a gigantic marketing and advertising machine to their already formidable one.
5. Could provide networking deals with major T.V.
There’s more, but it’s like… if your small company merged into a huge company…
Thanks Patrick.
I am not the most business savvy person out there. Other than having a huge source of money, which is always good in business, and access to networks and high powered people that is always a good thing to have.
But doesnt it ALSO mean that this media company would be able to “tell” Dana and the ferttita’s directions they want the company to go towards, even if it is the opposite of what the UFC wants now. and we ALL KNOW Dana and the UFC does not play well with others!!!!!
I just dont see how this would work, unless it is just all about the money
“I just dont see how this would work, unless it is just all about the money”
Zuffa has always been about the money first. If this deal makes enough cents to them, it’ll make sense to sell.
I know most people hate Dana but I’m not sure I like the idea of someone else running the UFC. As much dumb shit as he says he has done a ton for the sport. I don’t want to see a turn in the opposite direction. Would he still be in charge?
I hope Dana is still in charge. Say what you want about him, but the best fight the best when he is running things. New ownership with international media ties, and more money for Dana to play with, that can only be good for MMA.
The article says they are “acquiring a controlling inetest”. Does this mean Danna and the brothers could still hold a combined 55 %? Or does it mean this company will get at least 51%?
Kirby thats an excellent question.
I think that would be an interesting poll question for all of the Dana haters out there. Would you like to see someone else controlling the UFC and the overall direction of MMA? I may not always agree with what he says, but if it were my company, there’s noone else I would want running it….
“I hope Dana is still in charge. Say what you want about him, but the best fight the best when he is running things. New ownership with international media ties, and more money for Dana to play with, that can only be good for MMA.”
My opinion is exactly the opposite of this….
Bertelsmann is NOT a publicly traded company.