Overview
- First-round bids are nonbinding, with the board reviewing proposals now and a binding round expected in December ahead of a possible year-end decision, though approvals could take about 12 months.
- Paramount Skydance is the only suitor seeking to buy the company intact and is viewed by some analysts as the frontrunner.
- Netflix and Comcast are reportedly focused on acquiring Warner’s studio and HBO streaming assets rather than the entire company.
- The assets in play include HBO, CNN and the Warner Bros. film and television studios, backed by franchises such as Batman, Superman, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.
- California attorney general Rob Bonta has voiced opposition to a deal, and the Writers Guild warns consolidation could bring layoffs and fewer buyers for scripts.