Paramount Launches $108.4 Billion Bid for Warner Bros

Paramount has launched a rival bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, valuing the company at $108.4 billion, in a bid to outdo Netflix's planned purchase of the company's studio and streaming networks for $83 billion. Paramount's offer is $30 per share, which it claims is a 'superior alternative' to Netflix's deal, providing more upfront cash to shareholders and a greater likelihood of regulatory approval. The bid is backed by the Ellison family, including tech billionaire Larry Ellison, who has ties to President Donald Trump. Warner Bros has already declared Netflix the winner of the auction, but Paramount's offer could still succeed if shareholders accept it. The deal is expected to face scrutiny from regulators due to concerns over competition and the potential impact on the media industry.

The article discusses the ongoing battle for the future of Warner Bros. Discovery, with Netflix and Paramount making bids to acquire the company. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in the deal and has stated that he will be involved in the regulatory decision-making process. Trump's connections to key players, including billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, have raised questions about his potential influence on the outcome. The article highlights the complex web of interests and alliances at play, with Trump's loyalties and preferences seemingly shifting depending on his conversations with the parties involved.

Paramount has launched a $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), challenging Netflix's previously announced $72 billion deal. Paramount is taking its offer directly to WBD shareholders, offering $30 cash per share, which is $18 billion more than Netflix's offer. The deal would give Paramount control of WBD's entire company, including its Global Networks segment. Netflix's deal, on the other hand, would exclude WBD's global networks division, which includes channels like CNN. The Paramount bid is likely to face scrutiny due to the resulting company's dominant position in the film studio business. The deal has ties to the Trump administration, with Paramount's CEO David Ellison having connections to President Trump.