A Huge YouTube Network That Manages The Platform's Biggest Stars Sells Itself At A $200-$300 Million Valuation

YouTube network Fullscreen is selling a big chunk of the company at a $200-$300 million, Peter Kafka at Re/code reports.

Otter Media, a joint Venture between AT&T and the Chernin Group (which is run by former Fox executive Peter Chernin), is taking a controlling stake in Fullscreen.

Fullscreen, which held the INTOUR event last week attended by Business Insider (INTOUR was a big convention featuring many internet celebrities managed by Fullscreen), says it has four billion monthly views on its various videos.

Fullscreen call themselves "the first media company for the connected generation." It helps YouTubers find the best ads to run on their channels, the best sponsors and partnerships, and ways to create merchandise and perform at live (paid) gigs to help connect with fans.

George Strompolos, the co-founder and CEO of Fullscreen, is an ex-YouTube employee.

Kafka explains the rationale of the deal:

Fullscreen wants to diversify its business by creating a subscription service for some of its most popular acts. Otter Media already owns two other video services that sell subscriptions: Last year, Chernin Group bought control of Crunchyroll, the Japanese animation site, and rolled that business into Otter Media; earlier this year, Otter bought crafting site Creativebug from Demand Media.

Here, via Re/code, is the press release on the deal:

THE CHERNIN GROUP AND AT&T'S OTTER MEDIA TO ACQUIRE
MAJORITY STAKE IN FULLSCREEN

Strategic Agreement Will Enhance Fullscreen's Industry-Leading Position in Youth Media

LOS ANGELES and DALLAS, September 22, 2014 - Otter Media, a venture between The Chernin Group and AT&T*, today agreed to purchase a majority stake in Fullscreen, a global online media company.

As part of the deal, Fullscreen CEO and Founder George Strompolos will continue as CEO and maintain a material ownership stake in the company. Otter Media was established by AT&T and The Chernin Group to invest in, acquire and launch over-the-top (OTT) video services.

Fullscreen, founded in January 2011, works with more than 50,000 content creators who engage 450 million subscribers and generate 4 billion monthly views. Through its relationship with YouTube, Fullscreen is a pioneering force in the global content creator revolution and has been consistently ranked as a leading YouTube partner network.

"Our relationship with George started over three years ago when he launched Fullscreen in our offices. Since then, George and the Fullscreen team have achieved something remarkable - they have built one of the largest online content distribution networks, as well as created a leadership position in youth-oriented video programming," said Peter Chernin, chairman and CEO of The Chernin Group. "We're thrilled to be working with him and his management team in this next chapter for the company. Fullscreen's support for content creators, its relationship with YouTube and its passion for delivering entertainment to youth audiences around the world are extremely appealing to us."

"This is a huge win for Fullscreen and our creators," said Strompolos. "Peter Chernin, Jesse Jacobs and the entire team at The Chernin Group have supported our vision since day one. With AT&T as a strategic investor in Otter Media, we are well positioned to redefine youth media in today's digital-first world. We could not ask for a better opportunity."

"We are excited to have Fullscreen as an integral part of Otter Media, as this supports our focus on youth-based content," said Aaron Slator, President, Content Development, AT&T.

Fullscreen's management team will all continue in their roles in the company.

With more than 200 employees worldwide, Fullscreen is dedicated to empowering the next generation of independent creators wherever they are and on any platform. The company's robust talent roster includes such stars as the Fine Bros., Connor Franta, O2L, Andrea Russett, Lohanthony, Devin Supertramp and Jack and Jack. They are leading voices in today's youth culture, complemented by thousands of other Fullscreen creator partners. Fullscreen's data-driven technology and full suite of creative and monetization services enable creators to become brands and help brands act like creators.

The transaction is expected to close within the next month, subject to regulatory approval. WPP, which had invested in Fullscreen in a round of Series A funding led by The Chernin Group in 2013, will continue as a strategic shareholder in the company.