Thai businesswoman buys Miss Universe pageant for $20 million By Reuters

BANGKOK (Reuters) – A Thai movie star media tycoon and transgender rights advocate has purchased the Miss Universe Group for $20 million, marking the primary time the sweetness pageant organiser can be owned by a girl, her firm stated on Wednesday.

Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, CEO and largest shareholder of JKN International Group Pcl (JKN), is a celeb in Thailand, starring in native variations of actuality exhibits Mission Runway and Shark Tank.

She has been outspoken about her expertise as a transgender lady and in addition arrange the Life Impressed For Thailand Basis to advocate for the rights to dignity and alternatives for transgender folks.

The acquisition is “a robust, strategic addition to our portfolio,” stated Jakapong, including that Miss Universe, with its content material, licensing and merchandising alternatives, plans to develop in Asia.

JKN produces its personal exhibits and distributes content material in Thailand from overseas together with documentaries and Bollywood dramas. Its shares jumped almost 10% in early commerce on Wednesday.

The annual magnificence contest run by the Miss Universe Organisation, which was co-owned by Donald Trump between 1996 and 2002, is broadcast in 165 nations and has been working for 71 years.