YNOT EUROPE – Larry Flynt’s Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Hustler empire has acquired Amsterdam-based Sapphire Media International BV, a pan-European distributor of adult content to television, video on demand and wireless devices. Sapphire will operate as a division of Hustler’s European branch, LFP Media BV.

Sapphire operates seven adult channels — including Blue Hustler, Hustler TV, HustlerHD/3D and Daring!TV — providing content to more than 900 partners in 20 European territories. In addition, Sapphire is one of the leading providers of adult content to IPTV, VOD and mobile operators.

“We started working with Sapphire to bring Hustler TV to Europe back in 2005, and within a month we were the most widely distributed adult network there, thanks in a large part to their efforts,” said Hustler President Michael H. Klein. “Based on our strong relationship with them and the prospects for future growth, we felt bringing the Sapphire team on board full time as part of our Broadcasting Group was the smartest move for us.”

Adding Sapphire’s programming library to Hustler’s offerings gives Hustler the opportunity to provide a large selection of entertainment for tailor-made broadcast solutions on multi-media networks across Europe. Utilizing Sapphire’s in-depth knowledge of the European adult networks, combined with Hustler’s expertise in production, programming and operations, the U.S.-based broadcasting team will have an even stronger worldwide presence across all modes of content delivery to consumers and higher revenue for affiliates, Klein said.

In February 2011, Hustler and Sapphire partnered to launch a Hustler-branded high-definition, 3D adult channel in Europe.

Sapphire Media claimed four awards at last year’s Venus Awards in Berlin, based on its partnerships with Hustler: Best Adult TV Channel/Germany for Hustler TV Deutschland, Best International Adult TV Channel for Hustler TV, Best Offer International VOD and Best HD Channel for Hustler HD/3D channel.