Paramount set for $111bn Warner Bros takeover after Netflix drops bid
Netflix's decision to back down from the bidding war clears the path for Paramount to win the takeover battle.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval.""
— Ted Sarandos , Executive
""This transaction was always a 'nice to have' at the right price, not a 'must have' at any price.""
— Greg Peters , Executive
""These two Hollywood titans have not cleared regulatory scrutiny - the California Department of Justice has an open investigation, and we intend to be vigorous in our review.""
— Rob Bonta , Politician
"We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.′ iconic brands."
— Ted Sarandos , Executive
"But this transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price."
— Greg Peters , Executive
"This will create tremendous value."
— David Zaslav , Executive
"We’ve always been disciplined. And at the price required to match Paramount Skydance’s latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match the Paramount Skydance bid."
— Ted Sarandos , Executive
"Pleased WBD's Board has unanimously affirmed the superior value of our offer, which delivers to WBD shareholders superior value, certainty and speed to closing."
— David Ellison , Executive
"Once the company’s board decides to adopt the Paramount merger agreement, it will create tremendous value for our shareholders."
— David Zaslav , Executive
"Despite all the speculation you’ve read during this process, I’d suggest that you don’t jump to conclusions about the future until we know more."
— Mark Thompson , Executive
Key People
Editor-in-chief potentially involved in the editorial direction of CNN.
David Ellison is the CEO of Paramount.
David Zaslav is the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Elizabeth Warren is the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee.
Greg Peters is a co-CEO of Netflix.
Trump's son-in-law and a special envoy working on Middle Eastern negotiations.
Larry Ellison is the co-founder and Chairman of Oracle Corporation.
CEO of CNN.
Senator from Utah who raised competition concerns regarding the merger.
Rob Bonta is California's attorney general.
Ted Sarandos is the CEO of Netflix.
Tags
All Coverage
Netflix's decision to back down from the bidding war clears the path for Paramount to win the takeover battle.
Netflix has officially withdrawn its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets, paving the way for Paramount to potentially purchase the entire company.
Democrats are raising concerns about the impending merger between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount Skydance, particularly due to the latter’s ties to Donald Trump.
Netflix announced it will not increase its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) streaming and studio assets, effectively allowing Paramount Skydance to become the leading contender.
The recent Hollywood mega-merger saga has concluded with Warner Bros. Discovery emerging as the definitive winner, as Paramount Skydance's bid is now deemed superior to Netflix's.
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