Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. in a disruptive deal valued at $82.7B

Core Insights - Netflix has announced its acquisition of Warner Bros. with an enterprise value of $82.7 billion, marking a significant move in the streaming industry [1][2] - The deal includes HBO Max and the HBO studio, enhancing Netflix's content library with popular franchises like DC Comics, "Game of Thrones," and "Harry Potter" [2] - Netflix's investment of $72 billion surpasses Warner Bros.' market valuation of $60 billion, indicating the scale of the acquisition [3] Industry Context - The merger is one of the largest in Hollywood's history and positions Netflix to solidify its leading market position [2] - Warner Bros. Discovery had been struggling with debt and disappointing streaming growth, prompting the sale [7] - The acquisition is expected to finalize in the third quarter of 2026, following Warner Bros. Discovery's separation from Discovery Global [7][8] Regulatory Considerations - The merger may face antitrust scrutiny, with concerns raised by senators regarding potential political favoritism and corruption [4] - An anonymous group has reportedly urged Congress to oppose Netflix's acquisition offer, reflecting industry pushback [4]