Stock Markets January 23, 2026

Netflix Gains Favor in Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Film and TV Studios

Warner Bros Discovery shareholders lean towards Netflix's $82.7 billion offer amid competing $108 billion bid from Paramount

By Ajmal Hussain NFLX WBD PSKY
Netflix Gains Favor in Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Film and TV Studios
NFLX WBD PSKY

Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters indicated the company is progressing towards securing shareholder support from Warner Bros Discovery for its $82.7 billion acquisition proposal targeting the film and television studios. Despite a higher $108 billion hostile bid from Paramount for the entire Warner Bros Discovery entity, Peters expressed skepticism about the rival offer's credibility.

Key Points

  • Netflix is advancing toward gaining shareholder approval from Warner Bros Discovery for its $82.7 billion offer focusing on the film and television studios.
  • Paramount has submitted a hostile $108 billion bid for the entirety of Warner Bros Discovery, which Netflix executives publicly question.
  • The bid competition impacts stakeholders in the media, entertainment, and broader stock markets due to potential shifts in company ownership and valuation.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Greg Peters, co-chief executive of Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX), conveyed confidence that Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) shareholders are inclined to back Netflix's $82.7 billion offer specifically aimed at acquiring the film and television studios segment of the company.

Peters highlighted that only a minimal fraction of Warner Bros Discovery shares have been tendered in favor of Paramount (NASDAQ:PSKY), which is mounting a competing hostile bid valued at $108 billion. Paramount's proposal encompasses the acquisition of the entire Warner Bros Discovery company, surpassing Netflix's bid in total value.

Addressing Paramount's offer, Peters dismissed it as lacking credibility, stating that it "doesn’t pass the sniff test." His remarks imply a critical view of the feasibility or strategic validity of Paramount's approach compared to Netflix's targeted acquisition.

The Netflix proposition targets exclusively the film and television studios, distinguishing it from Paramount's broader bid which includes all divisions within Warner Bros Discovery. This focused strategy may influence shareholder considerations amid the competitive acquisition landscape.

As both offers compete for shareholder approval, the decision will significantly affect market dynamics within the media and entertainment sectors.

Risks

  • Uncertainty over shareholder preference between Netflix's specialized acquisition and Paramount's full company bid affects deal outcomes.
  • Paramount's hostile takeover attempt introduces volatility and potential integration risks for Warner Bros Discovery.
  • Market response to a possible ownership change in Warner Bros Discovery could impact media and entertainment sector valuations.

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