Overview
- People familiar with the confidential process say Netflix submitted the top bid for WBD’s studio and streaming assets at about $28 per share, with Paramount near $27 per share for the entire company and Comcast focused on studios and streaming.
- Because Paramount is bidding for all of WBD and Netflix and Comcast are targeting select assets, the offers are not directly comparable, according to sources cited in new reports.
- Bloomberg reported that WBD and Netflix have begun exclusive talks, a development that, if accurate, would mark a significant step toward a potential agreement for the studios and HBO Max.
- Paramount’s lawyers accused WBD of running a predetermined process favoring Netflix, flagged potential management conflicts of interest, and urged the appointment of an independent special committee of disinterested directors.
- WBD responded that it has handled the auction with the utmost care and fulfilled its fiduciary duties, as reports also note possible DOJ antitrust scrutiny if Netflix advances and media accounts of political pressure favoring Paramount.