While Iconix is likely interested in Playboy’s licensing assets, Griffiths’ interest is probably more media-focused. He spent six years as president of worldwide television distribution at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, before joining Playboy in early 2004. (He left less than two years later, as part of a management reorg). Golden Gate’s holdings, meanwhile, include TV and radio station operator MAX Media.

One interesting aside if Griffiths/Golden Gate and Iconix are in fact the two bidders: Golden Gate beat out Iconix in the auction to buy outdoor clothing chain Eddie Bauer this summer. Playboy is not commenting on any of these reports, although it has said since February that it would be open to offers for a buyout.