Netflix wants President Donald Trump's stamp of approval as it maneuvers to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Now, Trump has a demand for Netflix: unseat board member Susan Rice.In normal times, we would all be marveling at the spectacle of the US president telling a company in the midst of a merger fight (Paramount also wants to buy Warner Bros. Discovery) how to structure its board. During Trump 2.0, though, this has become standard stuff. Trump routinely tells companies to fire someone he doesn't like or do so ...

Nvidia, Warner Bros., Berkshire Hathaway, Home Depot, and More Stocks to Watch This Week - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.# Nvidia, Warner Bros., Berkshire Hathaway, Home Depot, and More Stocks to Watch This WeekByDan LamShareR ...

This image released by Sony Pictures shows characters, from left, Modo, voiced by Nick Kroll, Lenny, voiced by Stephen Curry, Will, voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, Olivia, voiced by Nicola Coughlan, Jett, voiced by Gabrielle Union, and Archie, voiced by David Harbour, in a scene from the animated film "GOAT." (Columbia Pictures and Sony Picture Animation via AP)It was a battle of the holdovers at the North American box office this weekend, with the family friendly film “GOAT” edging out the R-rated “Wuthering H ...

Core Insights - The battle for control of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) between Netflix and Paramount has intensified, with Netflix facing a $108 billion hostile takeover bid and scrutiny from the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding antitrust concerns [1][3][4] Group 1: Antitrust Investigation - The DOJ has issued a civil investigative demand to assess whether Netflix's proposed acquisition of WBD could substantially lessen competition or create a monopoly, potentially violating antitrust laws [3][4] - Recipients of the DOJ's civil investigative demand have until March 23 to provide necessary documents, coinciding with a special meeting of WBD shareholders to vote on Netflix's acquisition proposal [4] - Netflix's Chief Legal Officer has stated that the company operates in a highly competitive market and denies any claims of monopolistic behavior, asserting that their success is due to innovation and investment [7][9] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Netflix currently has 325 million paying subscribers, making it the most subscribed streaming service globally, while HBO Max has 128 million subscribers [9] - The competitive landscape is further complicated by Paramount's ongoing legal actions against the merger, indicating a contentious environment for media consolidation [4][5] - The timing of the DOJ's investigation aligns with heightened political scrutiny and public discourse surrounding the merger, including comments from political figures like Donald Trump [6][12] Group 3: Corporate Responses - Netflix executives appear to be relatively unfazed by the DOJ probe, viewing it as a routine part of the regulatory process [7][10] - Ted Sarandos, Netflix's Co-CEO, has publicly challenged Paramount to present a better deal, emphasizing confidence in the merits of their case regarding the merger [5][9] - The involvement of political figures, including Trump, adds a layer of complexity to the merger discussions, with mixed signals regarding support for the competing parties [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing political discourse surrounding Netflix board member Susan Rice highlights potential corporate accountability issues as Democrats may seek to hold corporations responsible if they regain power in the upcoming midterm elections [2][3]. Group 1: Political Context - President Donald Trump has called for Netflix to dismiss board member Susan Rice, labeling her as a "political hack" and suggesting that her influence is diminished [2]. - Rice has warned that corporations that have aligned with Trump may face repercussions from a Democratic resurgence, indicating a shift in accountability standards [3]. Group 2: Corporate Actions and Acquisitions - Netflix is currently under review by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which excludes cable networks like CNN [4]. - Paramount Skydance has initiated a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in cash, indicating competitive tensions in the industry [5]. - The DOJ is investigating whether Netflix's acquisition could harm competition and is examining the company's past acquisitions and their impact on creative talent [5][6]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The DOJ's review includes scrutiny of Netflix's negotiation tactics with independent content creators, assessing potential anticompetitive practices [6]. - Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed confidence in securing regulatory approval for the acquisition, framing the deal as beneficial for consumers, innovation, and workers [6].

Donald Trump has told Netflix to remove the Democratic foreign policy expert Susan Rice from its board or “face the consequences”, while the streaming platform is locked in an extraordinary corporate battle to take control of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).In comments posted on his Truth Social platform, the US president described Rice – who served as national security adviser to Barack Obama and UN ambassador and White House adviser under Joe Biden – as a “political hack” and accused her of having “no talent ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Netflix's proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, focusing on potential anticompetitive behavior and whether the deal could create a monopoly [1][15]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The DOJ's inquiry includes examining Netflix's market power in negotiations with independent content creators, such as movie studios and filmmakers [6][15]. - The investigation is a clear indication that the Trump administration is extending beyond a standard deal review, contradicting Netflix's claims of a typical process [1][15]. - The review is expected to take several months, potentially benefiting rival bidder Paramount Skydance Corp. [2][15]. Group 2: Netflix's Position - Netflix asserts that it operates in a highly competitive market and denies any claims of monopolistic behavior, stating it does not hold monopoly power or engage in exclusionary conduct [5][15]. - The company is spending approximately $20 billion on programming in 2023, which includes original series and licensed content [7][15]. - Netflix accounts for about 9% of TV viewing in the U.S. and has a significant share of the streaming market, comparable to competitors like Disney and Comcast [9][15]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Warner Bros. is in discussions with Paramount regarding a potential increase in its offer price for acquisition, indicating ongoing competitive dynamics in the industry [10][15]. - Paramount has expressed skepticism about Netflix's ability to pass regulatory scrutiny for its acquisition offer, claiming that its own tender offer has no statutory impediments [11][15]. - The ongoing review in the EU and potential challenges from U.S. state attorneys general could further complicate the acquisition landscape for both Netflix and Paramount [12][15].

Core Viewpoint - The Justice Department is investigating Netflix's proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, focusing on potential anticompetitive behavior and market leverage over content creators [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation aims to determine if the merger may significantly reduce competition or create a monopoly, potentially violating the Clayton Act and Sherman Act [2]. - The scope of the review indicates it may take several months before a decision is made on whether to challenge the merger in court, which could benefit rival bidder Paramount Skydance Corp. [4]. - The investigation includes scrutiny of Netflix's business practices and its market power in negotiations with independent content creators [6][8]. Group 2: Netflix's Position - Netflix's Chief Legal Officer stated that the company operates in a highly competitive market and does not hold monopoly power, expressing willingness to cooperate with regulators [5]. - Netflix is spending approximately $20 billion on programming in 2023, which includes both original series and licensed content [7]. - Netflix accounts for about 9% of TV viewing in the US and has a significant share of the streaming market, with programming spending comparable to competitors like Disney and Comcast [9]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Warner Bros. has resumed talks with Paramount, which has indicated a willingness to increase its offer for Warner Bros. [10]. - Paramount claims that Netflix's offer may not pass regulatory scrutiny in the US or Europe and asserts that its own $77.9 billion tender offer has no statutory impediments [11]. - Ongoing reviews in the EU and potential challenges from US state attorneys general could slow down Paramount's offer [12].

Group 1 - The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. to assess its impact on the movie-going public and the number of movies released in theatres [1] - The DOJ's concerns are primarily focused on Netflix Inc.'s dominance in the streaming segment and its policy of showcasing only a limited number of movies in theatres for shorter durations [2] - Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has met with theatre chain CEOs to address concerns and has committed to releasing Warner Bros. movies in theatres exclusively for 45 days [3] Group 2 - Warner Bros. has rejected a takeover bid from Paramount Skydance and has given them until February 23 to submit their best offer, while also allowing Netflix to match the offer [5] - Analyst Gary Black predicts that Netflix will likely win the bidding war for Warner Bros., and he believes that Netflix shares could regain the $100 level even if Paramount wins the bid [6]

Analyst Gary Black believes Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) holds the upper hand in the escalating takeover battle for Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), arguing that the streaming giant's stronger strategic synergies position it to ultimately prevail over rival bidder Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY). On Tuesday, Black wrote on X that he expects Netflix to "emerge as victor" in the contest. However, he added that even in a scenario where Paramount succeeds in clinching the deal, Netflix shares could rebound ...