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The New York Times is in talks to buy Letterboxd for around $330 million

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The New York Times Company is negotiating to purchase the movie-focused platform from its parent firm, Tiny Ltd., in a deal that would let the co-founders remain in leadership roles. While operations will stay largely independent, the site is slated to adopt the publisher's internal advertising technology. This move mirrors prior high-value corporate expansions, including the acquisition of sports outlet The Athletic for $550 million.

Key points

  • The platform is expected to retain its co-founders while operating as a standalone entity…: The platform is expected to retain its co-founders while operating as a standalone entity under an executive at The Times.
  • Letterboxd is currently owned by Tiny Ltd., which did not immediately respond to requests…: Letterboxd is currently owned by Tiny Ltd., which did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the sale.
  • The deal represents the publisher's latest major purchase, following earlier acquisitions…: The deal represents the publisher's latest major purchase, following earlier acquisitions such as Wirecutter and The Athletic.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The New York Times Company is in talks”exclusive negotations” to acquire Letterboxd, the social network for film lovers, for around $330 million, The New York Times reports. The Times Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and A24 were all recently rumored to be among those interested in buying Letterboxd.

The New York Times is in talks to buy Letterboxd for around $330 million

Rumors have been swirling about the film lover’s social network for a while, but the NYT reports it’s the buyer.

Rumors have been swirling about the film lover’s social network for a while, but the NYT reports it’s the buyer.

The negotiations with the Times Company have included the potential for Letterboxd’s co-founders to stay in charge but report to a Times Company executive. Letterboxd would likely remain standalone for the “foreseeable future,” according to the NYT. The company would also integrate the Times Company’s ad tech.

NYT spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander declined to comment. Letterboxd and current parent company Tiny Ltd. didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment from The Verge.

If the NYT does acquire Letterboxd, it…

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