Forbes is owned by Integrated Whale Media Investment Inc., which holds a 51% controlling stake, alongside Highlander Management LLC as a co-owner. The Forbes family retains a minority interest. The company operates as a privately held entity after selling majority control in 2014.
Forbes continues to expand its digital publishing operations and global licensing strategy. The platform recorded 85 million monthly global users in recent metrics. Revenue diversification through branded content, events, and international editions remains central to the business model.
Key Stats
- Forbes operates across more than 70 countries worldwide.
- The company generated $259 million in revenue during its most recent disclosed fiscal year.
- Forbes.com attracts 85 million monthly users globally.
- Integrated Whale Media Investment acquired its controlling stake in 2014 for approximately $475 million.
Who Owns Forbes?
Forbes ownership shifted from family control to institutional investors in 2014. Integrated Whale Media Investment Inc. acquired the majority stake that year.
The transaction valued the company at $475 million. The Hong Kong-based investment group purchased 51% of Forbes Media.
Integrated Whale Media Investment Inc.
Integrated Whale Media operates as the primary shareholder. The firm focuses on digital media investments across Asia and North America.
The acquisition enabled Forbes to accelerate its international expansion. Digital transformation initiatives received significant capital investment following the purchase.
Highlander Management LLC
Highlander Management joined as a stakeholder through subsequent restructuring. The private equity firm maintains an ownership position alongside Integrated Whale Media.
Exact ownership percentages remain undisclosed. Both entities share oversight of strategic decisions through board representation.
How Did Forbes Get Its Name?
The publication bears the surname of its founder, Bertie Charles Forbes. He established the magazine in 1917 to focus exclusively on business journalism.
Forbes chose his family name to emphasize personal accountability in editorial standards. The decision reflected his Scottish heritage and commitment to direct, authoritative reporting.
The name became synonymous with financial journalism and wealth analysis. Forbes positioned the publication as a voice for business leaders and entrepreneurs from its inception.
The Forbes family maintained editorial control for 97 years. Brand continuity remained intact despite ownership changes after 2014.
For historical context on the publication’s development, see the comprehensive timeline of Forbes evolution.
Forbes Origin, Founders And Early Years
Bertie Charles Forbes
Bertie Charles Forbes launched the magazine in September 1917. The Scottish immigrant worked as a financial columnist before founding his own publication.
He established Forbes to provide business analysis independent of Wall Street influence. The magazine targeted entrepreneurs and corporate executives from its first issue.
Early Editorial Philosophy
Forbes emphasized individual business leaders rather than abstract market forces. The publication profiled executives and analyzed their decision-making processes.
This editorial approach distinguished Forbes from competitors focused on market data. The founder served as editor-in-chief until his death in 1954.
Family Succession
Bruce Charles Forbes assumed control following his father’s death. Malcolm Forbes later expanded the magazine’s circulation and advertising revenue.
Steve Forbes became CEO in 1990. He maintained the family’s editorial influence through four decades of industry transformation.
Forbes Company History Timeline
Largest Shareholders Of Forbes
Integrated Whale Media Investment Inc.
Integrated Whale Media holds the controlling interest with 51% ownership. The Hong Kong-based firm paid $475 million for its stake in 2014.
The investment group focuses on media properties with global reach. Forbes represented their largest North American acquisition at the time.
Highlander Management LLC
Highlander Management maintains a significant ownership position alongside Integrated Whale Media. The private equity firm specializes in media and technology investments.
Their stake provides additional capital for digital infrastructure development. Highlander representatives participate in board governance without direct editorial involvement.
Forbes Family Holdings
The Forbes family retained a minority equity position after the 2014 transaction. Steve Forbes continues as chairman and editor-in-chief despite reduced ownership.
This arrangement preserves editorial continuity while enabling capital investment. The family’s influence remains concentrated in content strategy and brand stewardship.
Additional details on the ownership structure can be found in the Forbes Media corporate documentation.
Who Is On The Board Of Directors For Forbes?
Editorial Leadership
Steve Forbes serves as chairman and editor-in-chief. He oversees content standards and maintains the publication’s editorial direction.
His role ensures consistency with the founder’s vision. Forbes holds final authority over major editorial decisions and brand positioning.
Executive Management
Sherry Phillips assumed the CEO position on January 1, 2025. Her background includes media operations and digital transformation initiatives.
Phillips leads revenue strategy and operational execution. Her appointment signals continued focus on subscription services and branded content.
Global Operations
Peter Hung serves as board member and corporate secretary. He also holds the position of president at Forbes Global Holdings.
Hung manages international licensing partnerships and regional editions. His responsibilities include oversight of Forbes operations across 70 countries.
Investment Representatives
Board seats include representatives from Integrated Whale Media and Highlander Management. These directors focus on financial performance and strategic investments.
Their involvement ensures alignment between ownership objectives and operational execution. Board composition reflects the mix of media expertise and institutional capital.
For more information on executive changes, visit the Forbes leadership history page.
Forbes Mission Statement
Forbes positions itself as the foremost voice for business leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. The mission centers on providing analysis that drives business decisions.
The publication focuses on individual achievement rather than institutional perspectives. Forbes covers wealth creation, entrepreneurship, and economic leadership as core themes.
Digital journalism forms the foundation of current operations. The company expanded beyond print to emphasize real-time reporting and data visualization.
Forbes aims to deliver authoritative business intelligence across multiple platforms. The mission statement emphasizes independence, accuracy, and relevance to decision-makers.
Global expansion remains central to strategic priorities. The company licenses its brand and methodology to partners in emerging markets.
Forbes Products And Services
Forbes operates through several revenue channels beyond traditional advertising. Digital subscriptions provide access to premium content and analysis.
The Forbes Lists franchise includes the Forbes 400, billionaires list, and industry rankings. These data products generate licensing revenue and event opportunities.
Forbes Business Council and similar membership programs offer networking and visibility for executives. Members receive content distribution and branding opportunities.
The company produces live events including the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit. These gatherings combine editorial content with sponsored experiences.
International licensing partnerships extend the Forbes brand across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Regional editions operate under licensing agreements with local publishers.
Branded content studios create sponsored material for corporate clients. This division represents a growing share of total revenue as advertising declines.
FAQ
Is Forbes still operational?
Yes, Forbes remains operational as a leading business publication. The company continues publishing across digital and print platforms while expanding its global licensing network.
What is the net worth of Forbes?
Forbes’ exact net worth is not publicly disclosed as it operates as a privately held company. The last major transaction valued the company at $475 million in 2014.
Is Forbes an American company?
Forbes is an American media company headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey. The company was founded in New York and maintains its U.S. base despite foreign ownership.
Forbes market cap in 2026?
Forbes does not have a public market cap as it remains privately held. The company terminated its 2021 plans to go public through a SPAC merger.
When did Forbes come out?
Forbes launched in September 1917. Founder Bertie Charles Forbes established the magazine to focus on business journalism and entrepreneurship coverage during World War I.
Who owns Forbes?
Integrated Whale Media Investment Inc. owns the controlling 51% stake in Forbes. Highlander Management LLC serves as co-owner while the Forbes family retains a minority position.