Netflix reportedly on the hook in battle for Warner Bros Discovery, but how strong is its hand?
In a major shakeup in the media landscape, Netflix is making a serious bid to acquire Hollywood powerhouse Warner Bros Discovery. According to sources, the streaming giant has enlisted investment bank Moelis & Co to evaluate a potential offer and has been granted access to the financial data needed to make a move.
Netflix's interest in Warner Bros comes as other companies circle the legendary studio, with Skydance Media – backed by billionaire Larry Ellison – making a majority cash bid last month. The Wall Street Journal reported that Ellison's conglomerate is preparing for a big payout for WBD, although details of the deal remain scarce.
So who would be the best home for Warner Bros Discovery? It's difficult to say, but one thing is certain: both Netflix and Skydance have their own agendas. Netflix has been criticized for producing subpar films, while Ellison's company has faced accusations of building a pro-Trump media empire.
Still, other potential bidders – including Apple and Amazon – are reportedly interested in acquiring the studio that brought us classics like "McCabe and Mrs. Miller," "A Clockwork Orange," and "Dirty Harry." However, betting odds still seem to be on Paramount, with some sources suggesting that a senior Trump administration official has expressed support for Skydance's bid.
The stakes are high, with regulatory approval being crucial in securing the deal. As one anonymous official reportedly said, "Who owns Warner Bros Discovery is very important to the administration." With Netflix and Skydance vying for control, it remains to be seen which company will emerge victorious in this battle for media supremacy.
In a major shakeup in the media landscape, Netflix is making a serious bid to acquire Hollywood powerhouse Warner Bros Discovery. According to sources, the streaming giant has enlisted investment bank Moelis & Co to evaluate a potential offer and has been granted access to the financial data needed to make a move.
Netflix's interest in Warner Bros comes as other companies circle the legendary studio, with Skydance Media – backed by billionaire Larry Ellison – making a majority cash bid last month. The Wall Street Journal reported that Ellison's conglomerate is preparing for a big payout for WBD, although details of the deal remain scarce.
So who would be the best home for Warner Bros Discovery? It's difficult to say, but one thing is certain: both Netflix and Skydance have their own agendas. Netflix has been criticized for producing subpar films, while Ellison's company has faced accusations of building a pro-Trump media empire.
Still, other potential bidders – including Apple and Amazon – are reportedly interested in acquiring the studio that brought us classics like "McCabe and Mrs. Miller," "A Clockwork Orange," and "Dirty Harry." However, betting odds still seem to be on Paramount, with some sources suggesting that a senior Trump administration official has expressed support for Skydance's bid.
The stakes are high, with regulatory approval being crucial in securing the deal. As one anonymous official reportedly said, "Who owns Warner Bros Discovery is very important to the administration." With Netflix and Skydance vying for control, it remains to be seen which company will emerge victorious in this battle for media supremacy.