Paramount Skydance has increased its offer to acquire Warner Bros Discovery and aims to push Netflix out of the takeover race. The higher bid could determine control of one of Hollywood’s largest media companies.
Warner Bros said Paramount agreed to raise its offer by one dollar per share. The board said the proposal could reasonably lead to a superior deal.
Warner Bros will hold further talks before deciding whether to abandon the deal it signed with Netflix in December. Netflix has four days to submit a counter-offer and did not comment immediately.
Netflix Stays Cautious and Avoids Bidding War
In a recent interview, Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos declined to say whether the company would enter a bidding war. He described the back-and-forth as part of the normal process.
He said Netflix liked the current deal and remained a disciplined buyer. He later described the negotiations as a process of price discovery.
Paramount Pushes Aggressive Takeover With Ellison Family Support
Paramount is backed by tech billionaire Larry Ellison and led by his son David. The company has pursued a high-profile campaign to acquire Warner Bros since last year. It wants to establish itself as a Hollywood powerhouse.
Warner Bros rejected Paramount’s previous offers. In December, it agreed to sell its film and streaming divisions, including HBO, to Netflix. The deal valued the assets at 27.75 dollars per share and about 82 billion dollars including debt.
Warner Bros planned to spin off the remaining business. This included traditional television networks and its news channel, which would become an independent company.
Higher Cash Offer Comes With Break-Up Fees and Delay Payments
After rejection, Paramount improved its original proposal of 30 dollars per share for the entire company. This marks the first time it officially agreed to pay more.
Warner Bros said Paramount now offers 31 dollars per share in cash. The bid includes extra payments if completion is delayed.
Paramount also agreed to pay seven billion dollars if the deal collapses. It will cover the 2.8 billion dollar break-up fee Warner Bros would owe Netflix.
Warner Bros said its board has not reached a final decision.
Lawmakers Voice Concerns Over Market Power
Lawmakers raised concerns about both takeover proposals. They cited monopoly risks and potential effects on the entertainment industry.
In a Washington hearing earlier this month, Sarandos faced questions about possible price increases and the future of cinemas.
Democrats also highlighted the Ellison family’s ties to the Trump administration.
Analysts Expect Bidding War Could Push Price Higher
Warner Bros said it will continue discussions to determine whether a superior proposal can be reached.
Media adviser Luke Stillman said Warner Bros likely wants to trigger a bidding war. He said the final price could rise to as much as 33 dollars per share.
