Paramount Skydance has moved ahead in the bidding race for Warner Bros Discovery with an all-cash offer valued at 108.4 billion dollars. The proposal prices Warner Bros Discovery at 30 dollars per share and covers the company’s entire portfolio, including its global television networks. The revised offer places the consortium ahead of Netflix, which had previously secured an 82.7 billion dollar agreement focused on Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and direct-to-consumer businesses.
According to media reports, the scale and structure of Paramount Skydance’s proposal have reshaped the negotiations. Unlike the Netflix deal, which excluded many of Warner Bros Discovery’s cable network assets, the Paramount Skydance bid takes on the full breadth of the company’s holdings. The all-cash structure has also been noted by analysts as a significant advantage, removing uncertainties that can arise from stock-based transactions.
Reports indicate that the increased offer has introduced fresh tension between the parties involved. Senior executives from the Paramount Skydance side have expressed concern that Warner Bros Discovery showed early preference for Netflix’s lower-valued bid, prompting them to table the larger all-cash proposal. Industry observers say the competitive environment reflects the strategic importance of Warner Bros Discovery’s library, franchises and global distribution assets at a time when consolidation is reshaping the entertainment industry.
The bidding contest is taking place against the backdrop of industry pressure to scale content libraries and strengthen streaming platforms. Both suitors are seen as seeking to expand their international presence and reinforce their positions in a crowded market.
Regulatory considerations are expected to play a major role in determining the outcome. Reports suggest that any agreement will face close scrutiny due to the size of the transaction and the potential impact on competition in film, television and streaming.
Further developments are expected as Warner Bros Discovery evaluates the financial, operational and regulatory implications of each offer.
