Warner Bros. Discovery Finds Paramount's Latest Bid 'Superior' to Netflix
NetflixNetflix(US:NFLX) CNET·2026-02-26 22:49

Core Viewpoint - Warner Bros. Discovery's board has deemed Paramount Skydance's revised cash offer of $31 per share as superior to the existing Netflix merger agreement, prompting Netflix to respond within four days [1] Group 1: Paramount's Bid - Paramount has submitted a revised all-cash bid of $31 per share to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in its entirety [1] - If the bid is approved, Paramount would incur a $2.8 billion termination fee owed to Netflix for backing out of their agreement, along with a daily ticking fee of $0.25 per share per quarter starting after September 30, 2026 [2] - Paramount would also be liable for $7 billion if the deal fails to meet regulatory requirements [2] Group 2: Netflix's Position - Netflix has been formally notified of the new bid and has the option to revise its offer or withdraw from the deal [3] - The decision on which proposal is superior will be made by Warner Bros. Discovery's board and its financial and legal advisors [3] Group 3: Background of the Deals - The original merger-acquisition plan between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery was announced on December 5 for $83 billion, which included stocks and cash [4] - The deal would allow Netflix to acquire HBO, HBO Max, and the Warner Bros. studio business [4] - Paramount's attempts to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery have led Netflix to switch to an all-cash deal in January [4] Group 4: Current Context - The announcement coincides with Warner Bros. Discovery's Q4 earnings call and a visit by Netflix's co-CEO to Washington, DC, amid the Paramount bid [5] - Opposition to the WBD-Netflix deal has been expressed by 11 state attorneys general, while President Trump stated he would not intervene in the situation [5]

Warner Bros. Discovery Finds Paramount's Latest Bid 'Superior' to Netflix - Reportify