A prominent Thai businesswoman has purchased the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, her company announced Wednesday.
Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip is the founder and CEO of the Thailand-based media company JKN Global Groups, which acquired the rights to the pageant from IMG Worldwide, a sports and event company headquartered in New York City.
She’s also a social media influencer with nearly 19 million followers, a reality television personality who has appeared on Thai versions of “Project Runway” and “Shark Tank” and a transgender rights advocate who started a foundation that fights for the Thai trans community.
With Wednesday’s announcement, she became the first woman to own the 71-year-old pageants, which are among the longest-running televised competitions in the world. They’re seen by more than half a billion people annually and broadcast in 165 countries around the globe.
“We are incredibly honored to be acquiring the Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team,” Jakrajutatip said in a statement.
“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.
According to JKN, the acquisition will build on the pageant’s legacy, including expanded investment in licensing and merchandising opportunities.
In a message shared on Facebook Wednesday afternoon, Jakrajutatip said she felt “so overwhelmed” by the millions of Miss Universe fans, some of whom inundated her timeline with memes, emojis and congratulatory words.
“Thank you so much everyone once again for your kind messages to me and JKN Team. We’re so grateful to have all of you as part of our UNIVERSE family. You’re truly beautiful, brilliant and the Best!!!” she wrote. “LOVE YOU GUYS!!!”
