December 17, 2025, 2:46 p.mDecember 17, 2025, 2:46 p.m
In the takeover battle over the US film and media group Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), the streaming service Netflix appears to be prevailing against Paramount Skydance. WBD rejected an offer from Paramount on Wednesday, the company said.
This means that the chances of Netflix taking over the Hollywood giant and CNN owner are significantly better again. Almost two weeks ago, Netflix announced its planned acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery for almost $83 billion. Paramount Skydance then submitted a $108 billion hostile bid for WBD.
However, Paramount’s offer was “not in WBD’s interest,” the company said and recommended that its shareholders prefer Netflix’s offer.
The bidding war also has a political component: While Netflix is close to the Democratic Party, Paramount boss David Ellison is the son of Larry Ellison, an ally of US President Donald Trump. Trump had already questioned Netflix’s takeover plans and justified this with the streaming provider’s “very large market share”. Trump is also insisting that the television channel CNN, which he has repeatedly criticized in the past, be sold.
The Trump-critical CNN would have been merged with CBS in a deal with Paramount, a clear attack on American media diversity and democracy.
Shortly before the decision against Paramount, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner withdrew from the competition. He and his company Affinity supported Paramount with $200 million against Netflix.
(sda/sme)
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