Bidding Battle
Warner Bros engages Paramount in bidding talks
David Ellison / Ted Sarandos / Samuel DiPiazza Jr. / David Zaslav / Warner Bros. Discovery / Paramount Skydance / Netflix /

Story Stats

Last Updated
2/21/2026
Articles
112
Political leaning
Neutral

The Breakdown 93

  • Warner Bros. Discovery is entangled in a fierce bidding war with Paramount Skydance and Netflix vying for its future, with Paramount initially proposing a $30 per share hostile takeover that was ultimately rejected by Warner's board.
  • Following a pivotal waiver from Netflix, Warner Bros. has reopened negotiations with Paramount, granting the studio a one-week window to present an improved offer, potentially exceeding their original bid.
  • The stakes are high, as Warner Bros. remains steadfast in its commitment to a lucrative $72 billion merger with Netflix, urging shareholders to favor this path over Paramount's bid.
  • Amidst the negotiation tension, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has criticized Paramount for allegedly misleading Warner Bros. shareholders during the tumultuous bidding process.
  • With a deadline looming, Paramount's leadership has signaled a readiness to engage in constructive discussions, hoping to carve out a competitive edge in the heated acquisition race.
  • The unfolding drama highlights the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of the media industry, where consolidation and strategic maneuvering are critical as companies adapt to changing consumer demands in an increasingly competitive market.

Top Keywords

David Ellison / Ted Sarandos / Samuel DiPiazza Jr. / David Zaslav / Warner Bros. Discovery / Paramount Skydance / Netflix /

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