Core Insights - The board of Warner Brothers expressed concerns regarding the financing proposals from Larry Ellison, indicating a lack of confidence in the guarantees provided for the deal [2][4][6] - Netflix's offer was highlighted as more compelling due to its cash-heavy structure, certainty of closing, and a high termination fee, which addressed operational issues that the board was concerned about [3][6] - The board emphasized the importance of having a reliable equity stack and direct communication with key stakeholders to ensure deal closure, which was not adequately addressed in Ellison's proposals [4][5][10] Financing Concerns - The board questioned the reliability of financing from one of the wealthiest individuals, citing that no guarantees were made in the proposals that would ensure the deal's success [2][4][6] - Investors perceived the $30 per share cash offer from Ellison as attractive, but the board remained cautious about the potential risks associated with the financing structure [7][8] Shareholder Sentiment - Shareholders expressed satisfaction with the board's decision, indicating a positive reception to the strategic changes being implemented after a prolonged period of uncertainty [9][10] - The board acknowledged the need for change and the importance of delivering value to investors, which led to the decision to pursue a spin-off [9][10]
Paramount just didn't measure up to Netflix on its bid: Warner Bros. chairman Samuel Di Piazza