Overview
- Paramount Skydance offered $30 per share in cash, valuing Warner Bros. Discovery at about $108 billion and covering the entire business, including Global Networks such as CNN.
- Netflix previously secured board support to acquire only Warner’s studios and HBO Max for roughly $82.7–83 billion, offering $23.25 in cash plus $4.50 in Netflix stock per share.
- Paramount is taking its bid directly to investors, touting it as financially superior and less risky on antitrust grounds; the company is controlled by David Ellison, whose family is seen as close to President Trump.
- Both paths are expected to face intensive regulatory scrutiny, with timelines discussed of roughly 12 to 18 months to seek approvals.
- Political and industry pressure is mounting as President Trump questions Netflix’s market share and vows involvement, while cinema owners, writers and prominent directors warn of harm to theatrical releases and competition.