Viacom Buys Stake in Defy Media

NEW YORK: Viacom has picked up a minority stake in the online video network Defy Media, in exchange for three of its gaming properties.

The deal sees Defy taking over Addicting Games, GameTrailers and Shockwave, extending its portfolio of digital properties and strengthening its reach with the 13-to-34 demo. The two companies have also entered into marketing and content syndication agreements that will draw on their respective scale and expertise in developing and distributing entertainment to influential audiences.

Defy Media was formed through the merger of Alloy Digital and Break Media.

"We formed Defy with the belief that our infrastructure and brands represent the strongest platform in digital media for reach and scale to the 13- to 34-year-old audience and with Viacom's partnership we now have additional assets and support to fulfill that vision," commented Matthew Diamond, the CEO of DEFY Media. "These outstanding brands represent meaningful and diverse revenue opportunities we aim to expand across our existing brand portfolio."