WBD Acquisition Thread

[lowell]

Source, please.

It looks like word is come from Luke.

Those sites need money so stirring up inaccurate controversies is their quick path to get clicks to generate revenue.

Zaslav's ongoing debt reductions combined with the $7B check will make a substantial impact in cutting down the debt load.

And HBO Max has able to gain up to more than 140M subscribers globally without Skydance so they can keep going.

In addition to just folding Discovery+ to bring down streaming operation costs, HBO Max would also get another subscriber boost from that move as well.

I read somewhere that WBD will likely be sold in pieces and end up like MGM if Paramount deal falls through.

Zaslav and Malone would still be able to do another sale of the entirety of WarnerDiscovery down the road but it would be on their own accords, not through unsolicited offers. They want to get the highest price possible for the company, basically why they balked at Ellisons' inital lowball amounts.

Paramount+ largely grew to 79M subscribers globally due to the work of Bob Bakish, Tom Ryan, and other Paramount Global executives.

With the Redstones arranging a forced marriage, Skydance kneecapped the company for a year from continuing any major work, including stalling Paramount+'s international expansion plans.

The only things David Ellison & his lieutenants get partial credit for would be folding BET+ into Paramount+ and getting back into the book publishing business.

Every other decision-making, including a greenlight for Rush Hour 4 based on an admin plea to Larry, has been incompetently executed without careful long-term consideration. You can also tell that the $7.7B UFC rights deal was substantially overpaid and might not be financially logical down the road.

With the lack of experience that Ellison & the Skydance brass hold, they would easily pale in comparison to the decades of work that Bakish and other Paramount Global executives. Even Sony's own executives would basically be a step up in management at this point.

 

[JulianRO]

Commission approves Paramount\'s acquisition of Warner, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Paramount Skydance Corporation (‘Paramount\') of Warner Bros. Discovery (‘Warner\'). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by Paramount.

ec.europa.eu

The EU approved the merger, with some conditions:

• Termination of Paramount's stake in UIP in the EEA within 13 months from the closing of the transaction;
• For a period of ten years, Paramount will not, directly or indirectly:
  • enter into any agreement or understanding with Universal to jointly co-distribute films in the EEA;
  • shift the distribution of Warner's films from Warner's existing distributor to the theatrical distributor used by Paramount, where that distributor also distributes Universal's or Disney's films in all UIP countries in the EEA (that is Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden); and
  • in the UIP countries in the EEA where Paramount and Universal do not share the same distributor, shift the distribution of Paramount's films from Paramount's existing distributor to the theatrical distributor used by Warner, where that distributor also distributes Universal's or Disney's films.

 

[TheBludderBusser]

Boomerang is probably going to air Doug, Rugrats and The Ren & Stimpy Show not long after M&A closes lol.

I expect linear channels to get much worse after M&A closes.

To me Ren and Stimpy is outsource to death, John K doesn't have a proper vision for it because he is too blinded by his ego that he thinks cartoon should be gross and edgy like no and that Carbunkle Cartoons actually outsourced the animation to studios in asia to save money, Also the show itself to me isn't very bad it's just a insult to the artistic medium and badly influances creators to this day, Bashki you a bad director and a bad enabler of John. To also me Rugrats is just a different beast and more of a true illustrated radio show that is worth it just for closing your eyes and i approached it like it took liberties to get subject matter not any kids shows would imitate, Doug is just the most normal show nick has ever did and i appreciate it.

 

[JulianRO]

Well, our last hope is either the US or the UK now..... if both fail, that's sad, WBD won't end up well after getting combined with Paramount.

 

[themidnightlore]

Commission approves Paramount\'s acquisition of Warner, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Paramount Skydance Corporation (‘Paramount\') of Warner Bros. Discovery (‘Warner\'). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by Paramount.

ec.europa.eu

The EU approved the merger, with some conditions:

So, they get away like this without the need to drop TVN or Nove or (Channel) 5? Or even SkyShowtime??? This is so cringe.

 

[RandomMe]

Commission approves Paramount\'s acquisition of Warner, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Paramount Skydance Corporation (‘Paramount\') of Warner Bros. Discovery (‘Warner\'). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by Paramount.

ec.europa.eu

The EU approved the merger, with some conditions:

ShyShowtime is condemned.

 

[Insidus]

Commission approves Paramount\'s acquisition of Warner, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Paramount Skydance Corporation (‘Paramount\') of Warner Bros. Discovery (‘Warner\'). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by Paramount.

ec.europa.eu

The EU approved the merger, with some conditions:

I'm expecting for the deal to be closed despite the lawsuits honestly. I can imagine Global Linear Networks and MTV Entertainment Group merging into one division, same with the animation on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

 

[awinger24]

Well, our last hope is either the US or the UK now..... if both fail, that's sad, WBD won't end up well after getting combined with Paramount.

David Ellison is winning. RIP WB (1923-2026) because that preliminary injunction won’t be possible. This will make the family of the US president rule the world with an iron fist. The UK is going to approve it. It will close before the end of the year. Ellison will win. He will personally use WB to make endless movies to his and Melania’s personal preferences.

 

[Elijah Abrams]

Commission approves Paramount\'s acquisition of Warner, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Paramount Skydance Corporation (‘Paramount\') of Warner Bros. Discovery (‘Warner\'). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by Paramount.

ec.europa.eu

The EU approved the merger, with some conditions:

I have so many worries right now:

- The current lawsuit against the merger is going to be dropped because of EU (and possible UK) approval.

- The preliminary injunctions will be denied by Araceli if the EU approved the merger.

- The case against the merger fails because Ellison will use the argument in their favor that "If the deal is so dangerous to movie theaters, then why is every country approving it, plus 38 USA states"?

- The UK will have no choice but to approve the merger over pressure.

- The EU (and possibly the UK) approving the merger will make it harder for the State AGs and their arguments.

 

[awinger24]

I have so many worries right now:

- The current lawsuit against the merger is going to be dropped because of EU (and possible UK) approval.

- The preliminary injunctions will be denied by Araceli if the EU approved the merger.

- The case against the merger fails because Ellison will use the argument in their favor that "If the deal is so dangerous to movie theaters, then why is every country approving it, plus 38 USA states"?

- The UK will have no choice but to approve the merger over pressure.

- The EU (and possibly the UK) approving the merger will make it harder for the State AGs and their arguments.

It really feels inevitable. David Ellison wants to win so he can shut down and erase WB for good.

 

[Mandouga]

Well, I'm not giving up hope! It can still be stopped.

Can we PLEASE hope for the best possible outcome (that the merger doesn't happen)? "The EU approved it, therefore the lawsuits will be dropped", etc.?

GIVE ME A BREAK!!

I'm sorry to sound blunt, but at this point, I think some people are just making excuses to keep doing the same tired naysaying/doomsaying that's been going on here (and other places) for months now! I know people are entitled to their opinion, but this is ridiculous. It's like people are just searching for a reason to be negative.

I still say this can be stopped. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm going to assume the best, and continue to see the block (as "temporary" as it is) as the next step to this merger being stopped for sure.

Good grief...

 

[Nexonius]

If/when it's done, then post whatever. For now, please cease the doompostings.

 

[Elijah Abrams]

Seems the judge is considering a preliminary injunction, but if Paramount is seeking a 3-day evidentiary hearing, I’m worried the judge will grant it and find evidence that’ll result in Paramount winning the case.

Paramount Seeks Three-Day Hearing As Judge Weighs Preliminary Injunction

The company wants more time to present what appears to be a mini-trial.

deadline.com

 

[LinusFan303]

I read somewhere that WBD will likely be sold in pieces and end up like MGM if Paramount deal falls through.

Probably not, but if so, it's better to break up a company than be acquired by another company. Remember this was not a desperation sale for Warner Bros. it was an unsolicited bid that the people at the company decided to have some fun with. Just like it's part of the oldest excuse "If we don't merge and get bigger then our industry will go south" then they do it then whine again to do it again. Radio did that for 20 years and well... oh. A lot of things reading that feel pro merger or are saying that WB (oddly not Paramount) will crash and burn with out it are not to be trusted.

Commission approves Paramount\'s acquisition of Warner, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Paramount Skydance Corporation (‘Paramount\') of Warner Bros. Discovery (‘Warner\'). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by Paramount.

ec.europa.eu

The EU approved the merger, with some conditions:

Well of course, the EU would. They have not shown any drive to protect the countries of their group's media interests at all and have failed once again at doing so.

I have so many worries right now:

- The current lawsuit against the merger is going to be dropped because of EU (and possible UK) approval.

- The preliminary injunctions will be denied by Araceli if the EU approved the merger.

- The case against the merger fails because Ellison will use the argument in their favor that "If the deal is so dangerous to movie theaters, then why is every country approving it, plus 38 USA states"?

- The UK will have no choice but to approve the merger over pressure.

- The EU (and possibly the UK) approving the merger will make it harder for the State AGs and their arguments.

Uhh nope. Skydance and Discovery are American companies under American law which includes they follow the anti-trust law of America. The United States is not part of the EU. America the primary hub of these companies and American states are suing (need some companies to get in there too, for fun) All decisions by the courts in the US are determined by factors in the US. California is suing because they say it will damage California's economy and going to America's court where California is currently apart of and suing. The EU countries doing have no say because the EU is not part of America and has no say in American affairs.

No judge in the US will go "Well in Europe they allow X, so I guess it's fine here" that'd be a disbarred judge.

 

[Moe]

Probably not, but if so, it's better to break up a company than be acquired by another company. Remember this was not a desperation sale for Warner Bros. it was an unsolicited bid that the people at the company decided to have some fun with. Just like it's part of the oldest excuse "If we don't merge and get bigger then our industry will go south" then they do it then whine again to do it again. Radio did that for 20 years and well... oh. A lot of things reading that feel pro merger or are saying that WB (oddly not Paramount) will crash and burn with out it are not to be trusted.

Well of course, the EU would. They have not shown any drive to protect the countries of their group's media interests at all and have failed once again at doing so.



Uhh nope. Skydance and Discovery are American companies under American law which includes they follow the anti-trust law of America. The United States is not part of the EU. America the primary hub of these companies and American states are suing (need some companies to get in there too, for fun) All decisions by the courts in the US are determined by factors in the US. California is suing because they say it will damage California's economy and going to America's court where California is currently apart of and suing. The EU countries doing have no say because the EU is not part of America and has no say in American affairs.

No judge in the US will go "Well in Europe they allow X, so I guess it's fine here" that'd be a disbarred judge.

Well said.

If/when it's done, then post whatever. For now, please cease the doompostings.

Thank you very much.

I have so many worries right now:

- The current lawsuit against the merger is going to be dropped because of EU (and possible UK) approval.

- The preliminary injunctions will be denied by Araceli if the EU approved the merger.

- The case against the merger fails because Ellison will use the argument in their favor that "If the deal is so dangerous to movie theaters, then why is every country approving it, plus 38 USA states"?

- The UK will have no choice but to approve the merger over pressure.

- The EU (and possibly the UK) approving the merger will make it harder for the State AGs and their arguments.

What happened in EU and UK has absolutely nothing with the US and we are under US law, not EU or UK.

The US law allowed states to sue the company to stop the merger. EU and UK don't have those measures for state equivalent and both are more of central government.

UK will not stop because of what EU did, so UK will determine if merger is legal for UK customers.

UK and EU approved the merger don't affect the US because we are under US law to determine the legality of M&A.

Seems the judge is considering a preliminary injunction, but if Paramount is seeking a 3-day evidentiary hearing, I’m worried the judge will grant it and find evidence that’ll result in Paramount winning the case.

Paramount Seeks Three-Day Hearing As Judge Weighs Preliminary Injunction

The company wants more time to present what appears to be a mini-trial.

deadline.com

It is at Ellison's request, not judge and the judge could deny the request if they believe that merger violate the antitrust law.

 

[JulianRO]

They're just wasting their time and money.

 

[Moe]

They're just wasting their time and money.

If AI bubble pops and Iran war deepen the trouble sooner, David Ellison would be forced to end the merger or worst one is coming for him.

 

[lowell]

Remember this was not a desperation sale for Warner Bros. it was an unsolicited bid that the people at the company decided to have some fun with.

Well of course, the EU would. They have not shown any drive to protect the countries of their group's media interests at all and have failed once again at doing so.

Yes, Zaslav's & Wiedenfels's goal out of this is that $7B check to pay down debt. Other than that, expect Zaslav, Malone, and the WarnerDiscovery board to do the bare minimum required as none of them jumped to Ellison's initial lowball offers.

As for the EU's Foreign Subsidies Regulation review, the period expired without them taking any action so it looks like they're fine with state-owned media, given the Middle East's involvement in this pursuit.

If/when it's done, then post whatever. For now, please cease the doompostings.

Yeah, we don't need to turn into MM 2.0. and essentially enable Skydance's gun-jumping habits. If the moment crosses, then that's the time for acknowledgement.

UK will not stop because of what EU did, so UK will determine if merger is legal for UK customers.

It is at Ellison's request, not judge and the judge could deny the request if they believe that merger violate the antitrust law.

Given the EU's decisions were previewed already, the UK's going to be the wildcard here.

Larry & David don't want to pay the ticking fees so they're trying this tactic instead of just going through the motions.

They're just wasting their time and money.

If AI bubble pops and Iran war deepen the trouble sooner, David Ellison would be forced to end the merger or worst one is coming for him.

Yeah, it's hypocritical for Skydance & RedBird to want the legal system to be quick on their timeline yet their combined effort with the Redstones managed to stall and delay the lawsuits brought against them from non-Redstone investors.

If Skydance & Annapurna end up crumbling due to the AI stock bubble's popping having OpenAI drag Oracle down, so be it.

 

[TVArchive]

If USA courts reject the deal, Paramount could buy Warner’s international business, since those authorities have already approved it?

 

[Moe]

Given the EU's decisions were previewed already, the UK's going to be the wildcard here.

Larry & David don't want to pay the ticking fees so they're trying this tactic instead of just going through the motions.

Larry Ellison deeply care about his company named Oracle.

If Oracle goes down, so Larry would drop the f-bomb on Paramount and force his son to anything to recover the investment.

Of course, Larry want to overhaul the CNN to make a point but due to decline of linear TV, CNN would end up closed or sold to new owner. The overhauled CNN isn't going to beat Fox News that is seen as the king of conservative news and rating will hit the rock, so CNN would revert back to liberal news outlet after overhaul fails.

Also, David Ellison used to be supporter for democrat politicians but he flopped after 2024 election.

If USA courts reject the deal, Paramount could buy Warner’s international business, since those authorities have already approved it?

No, it is very unlikely.

If Skydance & Annapurna end up crumbling due to the AI stock bubble's popping having OpenAI drag Oracle down, so be it.

That is going to be a fun to watch lol.

There is a a note for @awinger24 - M&A laws in the US is much more strict than EU and UK and M&A laws in the US enable the states to sue the company to stop the merger, so it happened with several companies.

Real possibility would be a big delay for PSKY-WBD to close the merger until all appeals are exhausted and ticking fees would make a bill much more bigger if Ellison didn't drop the merger sooner. If US Supreme Court decline to reverse the M&A lawsuit, so Ellison would have to wait for years and more likely, he would have no choice but end up terminate the merger.

Remember, the court is unpredictable and I'm asking you to calm down. The doom-posting don't help with your case and it hurt yourself more.