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Paramount’s $108 Billion Bid Escalates Warner Bros. Battle

December 14, 2025, 8:30 pm
CNBC
CNBC
BusinessEconomyFinTechInformationInvestmentLifeMarketNewsTechnologyTools
Location: United Kingdom, England, City of London
Employees: 501-1000
Founded date: 1989
Netflix
Netflix
EntertainmentGamingHardwareInternetServiceSmartStreamingTelevisionTravelTV
Location: United States, California
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 1997
Total raised: $400M
Paramount
Paramount
B2CContentEntertainmentMediaNetworksServiceStreamingStudioTelevisionTV
Location: United States, California, Los Angeles
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1912
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
BroadcastingContentEntertainmentGamingMediaNewsProductionSportsStreamingTelevision
Location: United States, Missouri, Louisiana
Employees: 10001+
Paramount Global launched a hostile $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD). This move directly challenges Netflix’s recently secured $72 billion deal. The fight centers on control of valuable assets like HBO and DC Comics. Regulatory hurdles and potential job losses loom. Paramount argues its offer is superior. Netflix maintains confidence. The outcome remains uncertain, promising a prolonged and complex negotiation.

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Paramount escalated the media war. A $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery was launched. This is a hostile takeover attempt. It directly challenges Netflix’s agreement. Netflix secured a $72 billion deal just days prior. The prize? Control of major entertainment properties. HBO and DC Comics are key assets.

The battle is far from over. Paramount argues its offer is better. It claims Warner Bros. management favored Netflix. Paramount alleges an unfair bidding process. They sent multiple proposals. Warner Bros. reportedly didn’t engage seriously.

David Ellison, Paramount’s CEO, spoke out. He cited “inherent bias” against his company. He emphasized fighting for shareholders. His father, Larry Ellison, provides significant financial backing. Larry Ellison has ties to the Trump administration.

Netflix remains confident. Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO, met with Donald Trump. Trump reportedly suggested selling to the highest bidder. Netflix aims to secure premium content. It wants long-term control of valuable IP. This supports expansion into gaming and other areas.

Analysts predict scrutiny. A Paramount-Warner Bros. merger could dominate the studio business. This raises concerns about job losses. Industry consolidation is already rapid. Both deals face potential antitrust challenges.

Morningstar analysts see issues with Netflix’s plan. Combined streaming revenue could decline. This requires price increases or separate platforms. Neither seems likely. Netflix insists the deal will benefit consumers. It will also benefit shareholders and talent.

Paramount argues its combination is better. Paramount+ and HBO Max would compete with Netflix. They would also compete with Amazon and Disney+. Paramount promises continued theatrical releases. It also pledges support for Hollywood talent.

Warner Bros.’s TV networks would benefit. CNN and TNT would gain strength. Combined with Paramount’s portfolio. The situation is complex. The outcome is uncertain. Expect further twists and turns. The fight for Warner Bros Discovery continues.



**Keywords:** Paramount, Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, merger, acquisition, media, streaming, HBO, DC Comics, hostile takeover, antitrust, David Ellison, Ted Sarandos, Donald Trump, Larry Ellison, Paramount+, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video.