Paramount goes hostile in bid for Warner Bros., challenging a $72 billion bid by Netflix

Core Viewpoint - Paramount has launched a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share in cash, urging shareholders to reject Netflix's recent $72 billion takeover deal [1][2]. Group 1: Paramount's Offer - Paramount's bid is aimed at acquiring the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including its Global Networks business [1]. - The offer of $30 per share is the same amount that Warner Bros. Discovery previously rejected in favor of Netflix's offer [2]. - Paramount has made six proposals to Warner Bros. Discovery over a 12-week period prior to this bid [2]. Group 2: Netflix's Deal - Netflix's deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery is valued at $27.75 per share, totaling an enterprise value of $82.7 billion, including debt [3]. - The transaction is expected to close within 12 to 18 months, contingent upon Warner completing its separation of cable operations [3]. - The deal does not include networks such as CNN and Discovery [3]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Implications - Shares of Warner Bros. and Paramount increased by 5% to 6% at the market opening following the news, while Netflix's shares saw a slight decline [4]. - Paramount's Chairman and CEO stated that their offer would benefit the creative community, consumers, and the movie theater industry by enhancing competition and increasing content spending [3]. - President Donald Trump expressed concerns regarding the Netflix deal's potential market share implications and indicated involvement in the federal approval process [4].