CALIFORNIA: Streaming powerhouse Netflix has announced plans to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a massive deal valued at approximately $83 billion, marking what is being described as the largest entertainment industry acquisition of the decade.
According to Netflix, the offer includes a bid price of $27.75 per share, under which Warner Bros.’ film division, television studios, HBO, and HBO Max are part of the acquisition package. Once formalized, the merger will unite two global entertainment leaders — one dominating modern streaming, the other known for a century of cinematic legacy.
The acquisition is expected to greatly expand Netflix’s production capabilities and content library. Warner Bros., known for classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane, also holds some of the world’s biggest franchises including The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard of Oz, DC Universe, and Harry Potter.
The combination of Netflix’s global streaming reach and Warner Bros.’ film-making legacy could reshape the future content landscape, offering a powerful hub for premium entertainment.
Warner Bros. Discovery had announced availability for sale in October, attracting interest from Paramount, Comcast (NBC Universal) and Netflix. Reports suggest Paramount initially offered around $27 per share, but Netflix entered with the highest bid and moved into exclusive negotiations. The company is expected to secure financing through multi-billion-dollar funding.
With more than 280 million subscribers worldwide, Netflix stands as the world’s largest streaming platform. The acquisition is expected to expand its content creation capabilities significantly while securing premium assets like HBO.
However, the move has drawn criticism from Hollywood studios and filmmakers who fear further reduction of theatrical releases in favour of streaming-first strategies.
