American businessman Joel Weinshanker, the owner of Elvis Presley’s rights and properties, has purchased the majority stake in the company that operates Bran Castle, popularly associated with Dracula, from the heirs of Princess Ileana of Romania. Located in Brasov, a province nestled in the heart of Transylvania, this medieval fortress became world-famous thanks to the dark legend of Count Dracula, a sadistic historical figure known as Vlad the Impaler, who inspired Bram Stoker to create the most famous vampire of all time. The writer never visited Romania, nor did the protagonist himself have any connection to the place, yet it remains a celebrated tourist destination.
This year, the Bran Domain Management Company (CADB) reached an agreement with a firm controlled by Weinshanker, known primarily as the administrator of Graceland, the Memphis home of the King of Rock and Roll, and his entire legacy. Specifically, with the Ad Populum group, a conglomerate specializing in entertainment products, collectibles, costumes, games, and lifestyle brands, which has expanded rapidly in recent years through a series of acquisitions.
Now, VT Bran, the company founded by Ad Populum, has acquired more than 80% of the shares, while the remainder is divided among the heirs of Princess Ileana, the former owner of the Castle. The children of Princess Ileana of Romania—Domingo Habsburg, Maria Magdalena of Austria, and Margarita Isabel Sandhofer—regained ownership of the castle in 2006 after its restitution following the expropriation suffered by the royal family during the communist regime, which ended in 1989. Immediately after the acquisition, the American company launched a recruitment campaign in Romania to handle the day-to-day management of Bran Castle, including ticket sales, staff coordination, maintenance, event organization, financial reporting, and team development, including tour guides, sales staff, and administrative personnel.
Romania’s most popular tourist destination, with over a million visitors annually, now passes into the hands of this American businessman, who boasts a diverse portfolio. This portfolio includes NECA, one of the largest producers of figures and collectibles; Kidrobot, a retailer of art toys and collectibles; and WizKids, a company specializing in board games and miniatures. Rubies, one of the world’s largest producers of themed costumes, as well as other well-known brands such as Chia Pet, Smiffys, and Graceland, the Elvis Presley-themed resort, are among the businesses present.
Bran Castle has been a major tourist attraction in this Eastern European country for many years. The myth of vampires, medieval history, and royal heritage have created a unique combination that has captivated many foreign visitors. According to the latest available figures, the company managing Bran Castle achieved a turnover of €12.4 million and a profit of around €6 million in 2024, a record result in the company’s history. The company employs approximately 80 people.
