Netflix pulls off blockbuster deal with Warner Bros.

If approved, this would be the biggest deal in the history of the entertainment industry. Photo: Reuters .

According to the New York Times , Netflix has just announced plans to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's film, television and streaming division. The deal is valued at $82.7 billion including debt. Netflix will pay $27.75 per WBD share for a total equity value of $72 billion .

The deal is expected to close after Warner Bros. Discovery spins off its cable TV business, a process expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026. The deal still needs approval from U.S. federal regulators.

Netflix has beaten Paramount and Comcast in the race to acquire Warner Bros. All three companies raised their bids this week. Netflix is offering mostly cash. Paramount wants all of Warner Bros. Discovery, including channels like CNN and TNT. Comcast is only after the studio and the HBO Max streaming service.

“Our mission has always been to entertain the world ,” said Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, adding that the two companies could bring audiences more of the content they love and shape the next century of storytelling.

Greg Peters, Netflix's remaining co-CEO, said the acquisition would improve the service and boost the business for decades to come.

The deal is making waves in Hollywood. Netflix is already the world's largest paid streaming service, with more than 300 million subscribers. A merger with Warner Bros. Discovery would create a giant with greater influence over movie theaters and entertainment unions.

Warner Bros. is an icon of classic Hollywood. Its century-old filmography includes classics like Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, The Wizard of Oz, and Gone With the Wind. HBO has long been Hollywood's premier network, with hits like Euphoria, The Gilded Age, and The White Lotus.

Netflix will also own cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny. Popular TV series like Friends and Game of Thrones are also included in the deal. The Harry Potter universe and DC Comics are both owned by Warner Bros.

The most notable part of Netflix's proposal is its commitment to continue releasing movies in theaters, a significant move for Netflix, a pioneer in home viewing.

A group of unsigned film producers have sent a letter to the US Congress expressing concern. They are concerned about Netflix's view that time spent watching movies in theaters is time not spent on their platform. Producers are also worried about monopolizing the streaming market.

Politics has also crept into business deals under the Trump administration. Paramount’s David Ellison has cultivated a relationship with President Trump, while Comcast’s Brian Roberts has clashed with Mr. Trump.

Source: https://znews.vn/netflix-kich-hoat-thuong-vu-bom-tan-voi-warner-bros-post1608840.html