Overview
- President Trump praised Ted Sarandos, warned the combined company would have a large market share, and said he will be involved in the approval decision.
- Ted Sarandos met with Trump in the Oval Office on Nov. 24 to discuss Netflix’s planned bid, according to multiple reports confirmed by the president.
- Netflix’s winning offer includes a reported $59 billion bridge loan and a $5.8 billion breakup fee, with sources describing the financing as key to prevailing over Paramount Skydance and Comcast.
- Netflix has told Warner executives it will honor existing theatrical contracts and keep films in theaters, even as it signals shorter windows, drawing objections from cinema owners and creative guilds.
- Paramount Skydance has indicated it may challenge the auction process, and the deal is expected to face a 12–18 month antitrust review, with Warner Bros. Discovery planning to spin off its cable networks into Discovery Global before closing.