Oprah Winfrey partners with Weight Watchers

Oprah Winfrey just made a big bet on Weight Watchers.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. is a leading, global-branded consumer company and the world’s leading commercial provider of weight management services, operating globally through a network of Company-owned and franchise operations.

In 2014, consumers spent approximately $5 billion on Weight Watchers branded products and services, including meetings conducted by the Company and its franchisees, digital weight management products provided through its websites, mobile sites and apps, products sold at meetings, licensed products sold in retail channels and magazine subscriptions and other publications.

In a press release on Monday, October 19, 2015; the weight-loss assistance company said she joined its board and purchased newly issued stock representing a 10% stake of shares outstanding. She also bought options to acquire an additional 5% of fully diluted shares.

According to the press release, Oprah became an adviser, as well as a regular member of the program who will "candidly share her experiences and perspective along the way".

"Weight Watchers has given me the tools to begin to make the lasting shift that I and so many of us who are struggling with weight have longed for" she said in the statement. "I believe in the program so much I decided to invest in the company and partner in its evolution."
Weight Watchers shares surged by as much as 38% in premarket trading.