Paramount isn’t giving up its fight with Netflix, especially after Netflix recently won a bidding war for Warner Bros. The deal is worth $72 billion and includes Warner Bros.’ TV and film studios, as well as its streaming services. Some analysts, like those at Bank of America, believe this acquisition could signal the end of the streaming competition if regulators approve it. President Trump has also stated he will personally review the deal to ensure a fair decision.
Paramount has made an unexpected offer to counter the current deal, attempting to take over Warner Bros. Discovery completely – unlike Netflix, which planned to sell off some parts of the company. Paramount’s offer values the company at $108.4 billion, including $18 billion more cash than Netflix offered. Paramount is appealing directly to Warner Bros. Discovery’s shareholders, arguing that the board made a mistake in favoring the Netflix deal.
Paramount says that even though they presented six different offers to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) over three months, WBD never seriously considered them. Paramount believes their proposals would have been the most beneficial for WBD’s investors. Because of this, Paramount is now reaching out directly to WBD shareholders and its board to let them know about what they see as a better option.
The Fate of Warner Bros. is Far From Decided
I’m still seeing a lot of turbulence ahead in this whole media merger situation. Industry analyst Ross Benes told Reuters that the Warner Bros. Discovery deal is definitely not settled, and right now, Netflix seems to be leading the charge. But don’t expect a smooth ride – Paramount isn’t going down without a fight. They’ll be pulling out all the stops, appealing to shareholders, regulators, and even politicians to try and block Netflix. Honestly, it could drag on for quite a while. And that mention of politicians? It’s almost certainly about Donald Trump, who clearly has a soft spot for Paramount’s Larry Ellison – he’s called him an “amazing man and amazing business person,” so expect that relationship to play a role.
These two potential deals face significant challenges from regulators because the companies involved are so large. The media watchdog group FAIR has criticized Paramount’s plan, arguing that John Ellison owning both CBS and CNN would be harmful to democracy. Unions have also voiced strong concerns about Netflix’s proposal, worrying the company might shorten the time films are shown in theaters or even stop releasing films theatrically altogether. Because these deals would affect audiences worldwide, regulators in many countries will likely be involved.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Warner Bros.’ board was most concerned with finding a buyer who could quickly finalize a deal, pass regulatory reviews, and meet the required conditions – even more than the price offered. The bidding process hasn’t resolved much, but it has reinforced Netflix’s leading position, and ultimately, Warner Bros. and DC’s future will be determined by its shareholders.
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2025-12-08 18:10