Donald Trump sells off Miss Universe Organization
Tanzanian Miss Universe 2014 contestant, Nale Boniphace.
What you need to know:
The Miss Universe 2015 pageant is currently underway. Last year Tanzania’s Carolyne made the cut to compete in Miami for the international pageant, but was replaced by her runner up Nale Boniphace.
Billionaire presidential hopeful Donald Trump has sold the Miss Universe organization to Hollywood talent agency WME/IMG, just days after becoming the sole owner of the company.
"I have truly enjoyed owning the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA pageants. When I purchased the pageants many years ago, they were in serious trouble. It has been a great honor making them so successful … The pageants are now in the hands of a great company that will shepherd them to even greater levels of success,” Trump said.
Mr. Trump had acquired NBCUniversal’s interest in The Miss Universe Organization as part of the settlement of his litigation against NBCUniversal.
“Having worked closely with The Miss Universe Organization in the past, we understand the incredible potential of the events and the star-quality of the participants,” said Mark Shapiro, Chief Content Officer, WME | IMG. “The global reach of The Miss Universe Organization and the content opportunities presented by the pageants make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio.”
The Miss Universe 2015 pageant is currently underway. Last year Tanzania’s Carolyne Bernard made the cut to compete in Miami for the international pageant, but was replaced by her runner up Nale Boniphace.
