Billionaire Ron Burkle, who made his fortune from building a supermarket empire, is known for keeping a low-profile. He once told Talk magazine seveal years ago, "It doesn't do me any good for people to know about me or know what I'm doing because if you're low key, I think you can get a lot more done. People are always trying to project things onto you when you make a lot of money. I just do what I like doing — that's it." The media-shy billionaire might be more in the spotlight if rumors that he is interested in acquiring adult publishing empire Playboy Enterprises come to fruitation. The New York Post reports that Burkle's advisers believe that Playboy is undervalued and could possibly be a good complement to the billionaire's magazine distribution services of Source Interlink Cos. But, for now, nothing has come out of those assesments. The Post does point out that Burkle's Source Interlink has $300 million available on its credit line that could be used for a downpayment for a future deal. With a paid circulation of around 3 million in more than 100 countries, Playboy has made a gradual financial comeback with analysts estimating profits at 22 cents a share for the year versus 7 cents last year. Maybe a link up with Burkle's distribution services would prove to be a perfect combination. One thing's for sure if this long-shot hookup does happen, don't bet on catching Burkle in a bath robe and pipe talking about his new acquistion's quarterly numbers. — Gerald Magpily
See New York Post
See Chicago Sun Times article
Tags: m&a, Playboy
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