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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Hot stock tip: Chicken Soup for the Soul

This July 5, 2013, file photo, shows some of the titles in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series on display at the home of Debbie Acklin, in Northport, Ala. Acklin has had stories published in the series. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. is becoming a publicly traded company Friday, Aug. 18, 2017. (Dusty Compton / Dusty Compton/Tuscaloosa News)

NEW YORK – “These are the times that try men’s souls,” was written more than two centuries ago, but given events this week, they could have popped up in any blog or tweet in recent days.

What better time then, for a little Chicken Soup for the Soul?

The provider of positive vibes is becoming a publicly traded company Friday, and not a moment too soon.

The company, called Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc., offered 2.5 million shares for $12 each.

Chicken Soup produces television programs and online videos, but is best known for the books sold under the same name, with more than 250 published titles in 40 languages.

The company was founded by motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen in 1993. They sold what was still essentially a company focused on books in 2008.

Since then, Chicken Soup has turned to video production and distribution.

The company held what is known as a “mini initial public offering,” which gives smaller investors and individuals the ability to buy shares.

Startups, through a mini IPO, can raise up to $50 million. Chicken Soup is raising $30 million.

Already an investor is actor Ashton Kutcher, who has been active with startup companies for years.

Chicken Soup bought Kutcher’s media company A Plus late last year, and Kutcher became an investor in Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Company shares will trade on the Nasdaq stock market under the ticker “CSSE.”