Paramount Skydance Reportedly Pursues Hostile Takeover of Warner Bros.

Billionaires David and Larry Ellison are reportedly preparing a potential hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, challenging Netflix’s ongoing acquisition offer.

Sources told the New York Post that the Ellisons believe their $30-per-share all-cash proposal is more valuable than Netflix’s plan, and they are willing to push hard to get the deal done.

Insiders say the Ellisons are angry with Paramount and Skydance, thinking the process was unfair because of friendships between company leaders.

One source said, “They think this was a rigged deal process because of the friendship between the CEOs, and they’re betting the shareholders will be pissed when they find out what went down.” The Ellisons are considering either a direct hostile bid or appealing straight to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders.

The deal is also drawing attention in Washington. A senior official told The Wall Street Journal that advisers to President Trump are watching the situation closely and have concerns about the merger.

Trump’s DOJ reportedly planned a multi-year antitrust investigation into Netflix’s influence in streaming. Officials are reportedly skeptical of Netflix’s lobbying efforts and whether they comply with antitrust rules.

Reports suggest Trump has favored the Ellisons taking over Warner Bros. Discovery. Adding to the challenges for Netflix, major Hollywood unions like the WGA, PGA, and DGA have publicly criticized the potential merger. With legal, shareholder, and industry pressure mounting, the outcome of this battle is far from certain.

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