BREAKING: Paramount Counters Netflix With $108B Hostile Takeover Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

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David Ellison’s Paramount isn’t backing down in its attempt to acquire Warner Bros. Despite Warner Bros.’s board recently accepting an $82.7 billion offer from Netflix – which Ellison considers a less favorable deal – Paramount has launched a takeover attempt following a fierce competition between the companies.

This morning, Ellison stated he’s willing to pay significantly more than Netflix to acquire the company. He’s offering shareholders $30 per share in cash. Netflix, however, is only interested in Warner Bros. and isn’t pursuing the TV networks that will be split off as a separate entity next year. Their offer stands at $27.75 per share, a mix of cash and stock.

As a Warner Bros. Discovery shareholder, I believe we deserve a chance to really consider the all-cash offer on the table for our shares. It feels like this offer is a direct response to the recent deal with Netflix, and a way to address concerns some of us have about how things have been handled. It’s good to know someone is looking out for shareholders like me.

Ellison stated his public offer mirrors the terms he previously shared with Warner Bros. Discovery’s board and represents a better, faster, and more guaranteed deal. Ultimately, convincing shareholders that his offer is a solid investment could be key, as they may have the final decision on any sale. As the saying goes, money speaks volumes, both in Hollywood and on Wall Street.

Warner Bros. leadership may have to take it, like it or not.

“A Volatile and Complex Structure”

The news on Friday evening that Netflix was buying Warner Bros. and HBO’s properties stunned the entertainment world. Paramount described the deal as complicated, noting that the payment—a combination of $23.25 per share in cash and $4.50 in stock—is tied to how well Netflix performs in the future. The total value of the acquisition is $82.7 billion.

Unlike the previous potential deal, Paramount is suggesting a simpler acquisition. Larry Ellison’s company wants to buy everything under the Paramount umbrella – including the studio, HBO, Discovery, CNN, and all of its TV networks – in a deal valued at $108.4 billion, which includes taking on existing debt. The offer is a straight cash payment and isn’t contingent on any future events.

Paramount claims its proposed deal is more straightforward and less risky than the one Warner Bros. agreed to with Netflix. Paramount argues the Netflix deal could expose shareholders to a lengthy and unpredictable regulatory review, as well as a complicated financial structure involving both stock and cash.

President Trump Weighs In

On Sunday night, President Trump commented on the possible merger between Warner Bros. and Netflix. He praised Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, calling him a “fantastic man,” but also expressed concerns that the deal could create economic issues. Trump stated he would participate in the government’s review of the merger.

David Ellison and his father, Larry Ellison—who co-founded Oracle—have a positive working relationship with the current administration. Their deal to merge Paramount and Skydance happened remarkably fast. A potential merger between Netflix and Warner Bros., however, is predicted to be a much longer process, likely taking years to complete.

A Two-Pronged Appeal

There’s concern in the entertainment industry about the possibility of Netflix acquiring Paramount and HBO. While Netflix is already the leading streaming service, taking over a major studio like Paramount could significantly change how movies and shows are made and distributed. However, Paramount’s owner, Ellison, has pledged to continue releasing films in theaters, which might reassure some people in the industry.

To support its position, Paramount created the website StrongerHollywood.com, which explains Warner Bros.’ proposed takeover in detail.

This isn’t just about money; it’s a battle for the future of entertainment and the arts. The decision of who controls that future – whether it’s Paramount with its new strategy, or Netflix continuing its current approach – has moved beyond company executives and now rests with those who will be most impacted.

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2025-12-08 19:56