Netflix is on a collision course with Warner Bros. Discovery after agreeing to pay all cash for the company as it seeks to fend off a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Pictures.
In an effort to sweeten its offer, Netflix has revised its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery by amending its original agreement that included both cash and stock payments. As a result, the streaming giant will now pay 100% in cash for each share of Warner Bros. at a price of $27.75 per share.
This move is seen as an attempt to reassure shareholders that Netflix's acquisition plan is secure and that it can deliver on its promise to take control of the iconic brands and global reach of Warner Bros. Discovery.
In contrast, Paramount Pictures has been trying to upend the deal with its own offer of $108.4 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery at $30 per share. However, its bid is being met with skepticism as it requires a significant amount of debt financing, which could pose a risk to completion.
Warner Bros. Discovery's board chairman Samuel Di Piazza Jr. has expressed confidence that Netflix's revised offer will be successful, citing the streaming giant's strong financial position and ability to close the deal.
"With this all-cash consideration, we can now deliver the incredible value of our combination with Netflix at even greater levels of certainty," he said in a statement. "This transaction structure simplifies the path to a WBD stockholder vote, accelerates that process, and provides enhanced certainty around the value WBD stockholders will receive at closing."
Meanwhile, Paramount's lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery has been rejected by a judge last week, who deemed it as "meritless." The streaming giant is now focusing on touting its own financial strength, with market capitalization of approximately $400 billion and estimated free cash flow of over $12 billion for 2026.
As the battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery heats up, one thing is certain: only time will tell whether Netflix's revised offer will be enough to outmaneuver Paramount's bid.
In an effort to sweeten its offer, Netflix has revised its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery by amending its original agreement that included both cash and stock payments. As a result, the streaming giant will now pay 100% in cash for each share of Warner Bros. at a price of $27.75 per share.
This move is seen as an attempt to reassure shareholders that Netflix's acquisition plan is secure and that it can deliver on its promise to take control of the iconic brands and global reach of Warner Bros. Discovery.
In contrast, Paramount Pictures has been trying to upend the deal with its own offer of $108.4 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery at $30 per share. However, its bid is being met with skepticism as it requires a significant amount of debt financing, which could pose a risk to completion.
Warner Bros. Discovery's board chairman Samuel Di Piazza Jr. has expressed confidence that Netflix's revised offer will be successful, citing the streaming giant's strong financial position and ability to close the deal.
"With this all-cash consideration, we can now deliver the incredible value of our combination with Netflix at even greater levels of certainty," he said in a statement. "This transaction structure simplifies the path to a WBD stockholder vote, accelerates that process, and provides enhanced certainty around the value WBD stockholders will receive at closing."
Meanwhile, Paramount's lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery has been rejected by a judge last week, who deemed it as "meritless." The streaming giant is now focusing on touting its own financial strength, with market capitalization of approximately $400 billion and estimated free cash flow of over $12 billion for 2026.
As the battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery heats up, one thing is certain: only time will tell whether Netflix's revised offer will be enough to outmaneuver Paramount's bid.