Paramount Launches $108 Billion Hostile Bid For Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount has announced a hostile takeover offer worth $108.4 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery, putting forward a proposal of $30 per share. The move comes only days after Warner Bros. Discovery reached an agreement to be acquired by Netflix in a separate deal valued at around $82 billion including debt. Paramount’s offer immediately created a new contest for control of the entertainment giant.
Full company acquisition
The bid is positioned as a full takeover rather than a partial asset purchase. Paramount stated that the offer provides more cash value and quicker execution compared to the Netflix arrangement, which includes a mix of cash and stock. The proposal also covers major assets across film, television and streaming, including Warner Bros. studios and associated networks.
Board reviewing proposal
Warner Bros. Discovery’s board has not rejected the offer and has said it is reviewing the proposal. The board, however, has continued to support the previously announced Netflix deal. Key considerations for the board include financing, regulatory clearance and overall certainty of completion.
Regulatory scrutiny ahead
If Paramount succeeds, it would create one of the largest media companies in the world, combining two major content libraries and streaming platforms. Industry experts believe such a merger could attract heavy antitrust scrutiny in the US. With multiple bidders and global regulators involved, the process may extend over months before any final decision is reached.
