Could Funny or Die be up for sale?
According to a report from Bloomberg, the online comedy site has “hired a financial adviser to evaluate options including a possible sale”
In a memo to employees, CEO Dick Glover said that they’re not exactly trying to sell Funny or Die, but they are bringing in experts to evaluate the situation, considering the recent interest the company has received.
“We’ve received unsolicited interest from a number of companies. We are NOT trying to sell Funny or Die, but we thought it wise to engage some experts to help us evaluate the situation. In the meantime, if any of you mistakenly receive a briefcase full of cash, please bring it to my office immediately,” said Glover.
Another source told Bloomberg that an investment bank, working at Funny or Die’s behest, has “contacted potential buyers to gauge their interest in a deal.”
Funny or Die was founded in 2007 by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Chris Henchy. Through the dissemination of user-submitted content, the comedy site grew in popularity. It soon acquired high-profile contributors, whose various comedy shorts routinely star A-list talent. Earlier this year, the site’s popular short Between Two Ferns snagged President Barack Obama for an episode.
Funny or Die already some corporate backing – funding from Sequoia Capital and a minority stakeholder in Time Warner.