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Trump Questions Netflix–Warner Bros. Deal as Paramount Launches Hostile Bid

Regulatory scrutiny, union opposition, alongside a higher Paramount bid, now cloud the outcome.

Overview

  • Paramount Skydance publicly offered $30 per WBD share in cash for the entire company, calling its proposal superior and alleging an unfair sale process that favored Netflix.
  • President Donald Trump said the transaction "could be a problem" on antitrust grounds and indicated he will be involved in the review, which is led by the U.S. Department of Justice.
  • The signed agreement prices WBD at about $82.7 billion in enterprise value, or $27.75 per share for the studios and HBO assets, with $23.25 in cash plus $4.50 in Netflix stock.
  • Closing depends on a separate spin‑off of Discovery Global’s cable networks, shareholder approval, and U.S. and European regulatory clearance, with an expected timeline of roughly 12–18 months.
  • Netflix told subscribers there will be no immediate service changes and agreed to a multibillion‑dollar breakup fee if regulators block the deal, as entertainment unions urge authorities to stop it.