Hugh Hefner is reportedly lining up British billionaire Sir Richard Branson to take over his Playboy empire.
Hefner's company - founded 56 years ago - is battling the recession and the rise in internet pornography, with the firm recently posting losses of $13 million for the first three months of 2009.
Sources suggest the 83-year-old is thinking of retiring and courting Virgin boss Branson as a potential buyer - with a price-tag set at $300 million .
A Playboy spokesperson denies any offers have been made, but admits Hefner would "listen to proposals that could create value for all of our shareholders".
Hefner launched Playboy back in 1953, after he left Esquire because he was denied a raise.
Orignally going to be called Stag Party Marilyn Monroe was the first centrefold and the magazine sold out in weeks.
Since then Playboy has gone on to become one of the most famous brands worldwide.
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