New York Post·2025-11-12 17:54Core Insights - Comcast CEO Brian Roberts is exploring a potential bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and recently met with representatives from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) during his visit to the country [1][4][10] - WBD CEO David Zaslav is aiming to initiate a bidding war for the company, valuing it at approximately $70 billion, significantly higher than a previous bid from Paramount Skydance at $24 per share [3][8] - The involvement of major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley indicates that Comcast is serious about pursuing this acquisition, although it may require substantial backing [10] Group 1: Comcast's Strategic Moves - Roberts' trip to Saudi Arabia coincided with a high-profile dinner honoring Zaslav, suggesting a strategic maneuver to gain support for a potential acquisition [1][4] - The PIF, with nearly $1 trillion in assets under management, represents a significant potential partner for financing a Comcast bid for WBD [4][10] - Roberts' absence from the dinner has led to speculation about his intentions to secure backing from Saudi officials [4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Zaslav's belief in a competitive bidding environment highlights the aggressive nature of the media acquisition landscape, with multiple players interested in WBD [3][8] - The valuation of WBD at $70 billion reflects the high stakes involved in media mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the current market [8] - The potential partnership with Saudi investors could face challenges, including regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and public perception issues related to Saudi Arabia's human rights record [12][13]