Paramount launches hostile $78-billion bid for Warner Bros., with backing from Trump's son-in-law

The entertainment industry is rallying against Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. and HBO, with unions and industry groups expressing significant concerns over the potential impact on jobs and the theatrical landscape. This deal, valued at approximately $72 billion, has raised alarms about increased industry concentration and fewer theatrical releases.

Paramount has initiated a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share, which values the company at approximately $108.4 billion. This aggressive move comes shortly after Netflix secured a $72 billion deal to acquire Warner's studios and streaming unit, intensifying the competition in the media landscape.

Paramount has made a controversial bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, which includes financing from Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, alongside funds from Saudi and Qatari sovereign wealth funds. This move has raised ethical concerns regarding the influence of foreign investments in U.S. media companies.

Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. is anticipated to receive regulatory approval, with expert Andrew Lipman expressing confidence that the deal will proceed without significant obstacles. The acquisition, valued at approximately $72 billion, follows a competitive bidding process where Netflix outbid Paramount Skydance.

Paramount has initiated a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share, which values the company at approximately $108 billion. This aggressive move follows Netflix's recent agreement to acquire Warner Bros. studios and its streaming unit for $72 billion, marking a significant escalation in the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry.

Netflix shares fell approximately 3% following Paramount's announcement of a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, offering $30 per share, which values the company at around $108 billion. This move raises concerns among investors about potential challenges to Netflix's recent $72 billion acquisition plan for Warner Bros. assets.

Donald Trump has refrained from endorsing either Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery or Netflix's recent acquisition deal, stating that none of the companies are particularly great friends of his. This comes as Paramount seeks to challenge Netflix's recent $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting a competitive landscape in the media industry.

Donald Trump criticized CBS News' '60 Minutes' for being 'worse' under new ownership by Skydance Partners, following an interview with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. This marks Trump's first public attack on the program since the ownership change.