Houlihan Lokey Advises Vertical Networks

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Vertical Networks has been acquired by Whistle. The transaction closed on October 16, 2019.

Vertical Networks is a leading mobile-first content studio founded in 2016 by Elisabeth Murdoch and backed by Snap. The company produces premium editorial and video driven by real-time analytics. Vertical Networks is best known for the popular Snapchat show Phone Swap, which is now in its seventh season, and its Snapchat Publisher Story Brother, which boasts more than 20 million subscribers. The company is also behind highly entertaining and engaging mobile-first channels and formats, including Parental Guidance, Mindsy, Celebrity Binge Watch, Yes Theory, and I Have a Secret. Its vertical formats marry data and creative to produce hyper-engaging content that reaches the coveted millennial and Generation Z audiences. Vertical Networks is based in Santa Monica, California.

Whistle is an entertainment and media company that creates, curates, and distributes highly engaging, brand-safe original content. Backed by data driven insights, Whistle connects with young audiences across social platforms, digital streaming, and linear cable networks through relatable programming that aligns with audience passion points.

Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive financial advisor to Vertical Networks.