Miss Universe Organization acquired by Thai-owned conglomerate

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, CEO of JKN Global Group. Image: JKN Global Group via Cision PR Newswire, Facebook/Miss Universe

Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has found a new home with the Thai-owned conglomerate JKN Global Group, which acquired the organization from IMG.

JKN Global Group Chief Executive Officer Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip was revealed as the new owner of the prestigious pageant after her company bought it, JKN revealed in a release today, Oct. 26. The transaction is said to be valued at $20 million (about P1.17 billion), as reported by Thai Enquirer.

“We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team. 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,” Jakrajutatip stated in the release.

“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,” she added.

Given this, JKN teased the debut of the MUO’s new licensing and merchandising arm MU Lifestyle, to further develop the Miss Universe brand. It also mentioned plans to “grow the business in key and untapped markets,” including Asia.

The next global Miss Universe pageant will be held on Jan. 14, 2023, at New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. Candidates from all over the globe, including Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, are expected to be welcomed for the pageant.  /ra

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