Paramount‑Warner Deal Overlooks Federal Antitrust Scrutiny
Feel like the some of the reporting on Paramount-Warner Bros has kinda forgotten this little thing called federal and state antitrust review
Param
As Paramount Skydance Grabs Warner Bros. and Netflix Bows Out, the Mood Inside All Three: Champagne Toasts vs. ‘Gut Punch’ https://t.co/7WOc11cdK3
Schiff Demands Independent Review of Paramount Merger
Sen. Adam Schiff: “What was true for Netflix is still true now for Paramount. The merger of two of Hollywood's biggest studios must be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny, free from White House political influence, to determine...
Netflix Skips Pricey Bid, Shares Jump 8%
Bottom line: Netflix walked away from an expensive bidding war that wasn't prudent and in doing so, it conveniently leaves one competitor saddled with debt and two competitors burdened by a very long, distracting regulatory approval process — Investors agree. $NFLX...
Get Answers on Paramount‑WBD Deal Impact
Tomorrow’s IN THE ROOM will have answers to all your questions about what the Paramount-WBD tie up means for CNN, CBS, Bari Weiss, etc… Sign up here: https://t.co/aUkyssMv7F
Democrats Could Block Paramount Merger, Says California AG
Uh, Democrats can stop the Paramount merger. State attorneys general have jurisdiction. California AG Rob Bonta said he’s watching it closely.
My December Take on the Netflix‑Warner Bros. Deal
Here’s what I wrote back in December, the day after the Netflix deal with WBD was announced: https://t.co/aiNBd98ACC
Netflix's M&A Bloodbath Exposes Shareholder, Talent, Political Crises
Hostile M&A is always bloodsport, but I can't remember an acquirer coming out of a process this bloody. Netflix has a shareholder problem (which doesn't understand why it wanted to buy a legacy studio), a Hollywood talent problem (which doesn't...
Paramount's Full-Asset Bid Keeps WBD Movies and Cable United
So Netflix ending its WBD bid means WBD's movie business and cable channels should stay together. Paramount has sought the whole package even as WBD planned to spin off its cable assets. Lots of sports media angles now with...
Ellisons Aim to Merge Paramount, Warner as Netflix Backs Out
Confirmed: Netflix pulls offer for Warner Bros Discovery's streaming & studio assets The Ellisons look to roll up Paramount and Warner into a Hollywood behemoth Justice Department antitrust regulators have yet to weigh in... but Trump has warming ties to Ellisons
Netflix Slides 30% After Failed WBD Merger, Confidence Restored
Netflix’s stock is down ~30% since the WBD merger drama began. While losing WBD removes the last clear major growth lever, it likely reestablishes some investor confidence. Longer-term, we’ll see if they miss the lost IP. But recent major media...
Triple Win: Netflix, WBD, and Paramount All Profit
As I wrote months ago, there was only one “win win win” here … 1) Netflix gets the break fee 2) WBD gets even more money from Para 3) Para gets the bone it wants
Netflix Rejects Paramount Offer, Cites Brand Stewardship
Netflix declines to match Paramount offer for WBD: We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.’ iconic brands, and that our deal would have strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the U.S.
Warner Bros. Picks Paramount; Netflix Must Outbid With Cash
Warner Brothers Discover,,,board checked the boxes and declared paramount the high bidder …what will Netflix have to do.. need all cash And bid more ..or in the words of a great ceo say “they won.we https://t.co/BTEFBOV9AI! ‘’
Paramount Ups Bid, Netflix Faces Critical Decision
Axios Pro Rata on Feb. 11: "It feels like the next act already has been written. The 'Davids' get over themselves, Paramount raises its bid and then Netflix has a decision to make."
Warner Says Paramount Offer Outpaces Netflix, Challenges Sarandos
WBD says Paramount bid > Netflix. Mr Sarandos, the ball is now in your court.
Warner Backs Paramount's Superior Offer, NLFX Should Exit
*WARNER BROS. SAYS PARAMOUNT OFFER IS 'SUPERIOR PROPOSAL' Seems like a good opportunity for $NLFX to graciously bow out of the $WBD bidding war and take the break fee paid for by $PSKY
Warner Bros Declares Paramount Deal Superior, Challenges Netflix
Warner Bros says the Paramount deal is now superior. The ball is in Netflix’s court.
FTC Delays Alcon Deal, Closing Slips to H1’26
FTC compliance with the second request is ongoing in Alcon’s $LNSR takeout. Closing pushed again: now H1’26 from Q1’26 (already delayed from YE’25). With an ~18% spread to the cash offer, it’s getting harder to believe this deal closes.
Antitrust Panel Seeks Second Look at Netflix‑WBD, May Add Paramount
Antitrust subcommittee wants a second chance to beat up on Netflix - WBD deal and has hearing scheduled for March 4. Will they add Paramount to mix if at that point they are in driver's seat?
Blue Owl’s Rise Marred by Internal Fractiousness
Blue Owl climbed quickly on Wall Street. One of its arms floated an idea to create a Mt Rushmore of private equity. But those pitched saw the firm’s own fractiousness as the plan’s big flaw. @EricGPlatt & I look at the...
Warner Merger Spawns Chaotic Org Chart, Survival Unclear
Who survives the Warner merger mania? Org Chart From Hell: ‘Too Many Tentacles for One Octopus’ Latest @Lesleygoldberg https://t.co/No87HnVyFd
Warner Board Claims Value Delivery Amid Sale Process
The WBD board is "delivering significant value to WBD shareholders throughout the [sales] process" -- Warner CEO David Zaslav
Activist Demands Full Sale, Board Faces Ouster
Strategic review under activist pressure w/ ~70% upside - Prominent activist pushing for full sale + plans to replace majority of board - AGM a few months away - Stock at all-time lows (~4x EBITDA) - One seg. sale announced; board now pressured to...
Stripe Targets PayPal in $159B Mega‑Deal
Stripe may be gearing up for a mega-deal by eyeing PayPal at a $159B tender valuation. If it happens, it would reshape the payments landscape and reignite competition in digital finance. Big bets like this show how fast fintech’s strategic plays are...
Robertson‑Patman Act Still Alive, Impact
The Robertson Patman Act,, sometimes rumored to be dead, alive and kicking Costco (or sellers to Costco) in California
Investors Question Netflix's Push for WBD Amid Skepticism
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos will say he looks long term, but if Netflix ups its bid for WBD, investors who clearly are skeptical about the deal — even as is — may get even more concerned: why does Netflix want...
Paramount and Netflix Execs Hit White House Amid Deal War
Paramount's David Ellison was at POTUS State of the Union address. Netflix's Ted Sarandos headed to the White House as politics takes center stage as Paramount submits new offer for Warner Bros. Discovery. @latimes https://t.co/KSrhSdUCjY
VRE Buyout Offers 5% Cap Rate, Minimal Downside
Good outline of the $VRE buyout. There’s probably a small chance of an overbid here. But, to be honest, probably close to zero, at a 5% implied cap rate. But we’ll see. Downside is only ~10% and the buyer isn’t walking, so...
Domo's 0.8x ARR Price Masks Zero Growth, Broken Economics
Domo trades at 0.8x ARR and just announced they are formally looking to sell. While they have a "cheap" multiple, revenue growth is 0% and they are barely FCF breakeven. I.e. the unit economics are broken. But might make sense to the...
Sharing Your Deal Story Inspires New Acquirers
Important message for folks acquiring $2-15M EBITDA businesses, especially those who are willing to share their story and lessons down to the detail. Thanks to you, others are willing to take the leap. Just received a DM from a listener of the...
Netflix Shares Surge After Warner Bid Sparks Wall Street Bet
Wall Street making a bet against Netflix purchase of Warner >>>>Netflix Stock Has Best Day In Over A Year After Paramount's New Warner Bros. Bid $NLFXhttps://www.investors.com/news/netflix-paramount-skydance-warner-bros-bid-offer/
Crestview and Gersh Eye Full or Partial Wasserman Sale
One of the more interesting things from my recent story on the @Wasserman sale. Crestview Partners and @TheGershAgency are looking at Wasserman in whole and or in parts #sportico https://t.co/swU8ey2FGO
AGI Privatization Falters; Stock Trades Above $1 Bid
As expected, $AGI.AX privatization failed - Novomatic (67%) failed to reach 75% delisting threshold - Stock now ~15% above the A$1.00/sh bid since Sep - Activist argues for ~A$3.00/sh (likely stretched) - Novo can re-bid in a few months, overbid thesis looks enticing now.
GSK's New CEO Targets Proven Science, Eyes Obesity Drugs
The FT's report on GSK's $950M deal to buy 35Pharma and its pulmonary arterial hypertension drug includes an interesting unnamed insider's quote that new CEO Luke Miels is going after assets where "the science is relatively settled." Maybe leaning into...
Fintechs Buzz: Pay
This week in (publicly-listed) fintechs: @PayPal gets takeover interest from @Stripe @RobinhoodApp launches private markets @Remitly beats expectations @Klarna delivers better GMV but margins fall https://t.co/bEeEnaTZ3V
One River's LGT Quant Purchase Increases Assets by One‑Third
One River is buying the quant arm of LGT Capital Partners, a deal that will boost the hedge fund’s assets by roughly a third https://t.co/KuxkGui39M
Novo's Vivtex Deal Could Unlock Superior Oral Obesity Meds
With Vivtex deal, Novo gains a chance at better oral obesity drugs https://t.co/DhIelbC9jI by @gwendolynawu $NVO #obesity
Nelson Peltz Flags WEN Undervaluation, Potential Buyout
$WEN targeted by LT shareholder & former Chairman Nelson Peltz (13D filed). - Says shares are undervalued and strategic options incl. a buyout may be explored. - He looked at a deal in 2022 but walked. - Stock at ~8x...
China's Asset Prices Rise, Ending Bargain-Basement Era
Assets from China are ubiquitous but China is no longer the 'bargain basement' in terms of deals. Will be interesting to see how rising prices impact deal interest https://t.co/yM3P28QCDc $XBI $IBB $BBC https://t.co/W61XACPX7O
Fortescue Fully Acquires Alta Copper, Expands Peru Copper Push
Fortescue buys Alta Copper outright, deepening its copper expansion strategy around Peru’s Canariaco project. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/fortescue-alta-copper-acquisition.html
CBS News Owner Eyes Acquisition of CNN Parent Company
Among other things, this is the controlling owner of CBS News, looking to buy parent company of CNN
NXST Media and TEGNA TV Deal Worth $6.2 B
🚨 The total value of the @NXSTMediaGroup / @TEGNA TV station transaction is $6.2 billion
Paramount Waives MAE Clause, Adds Cash for Lender Solvency
Paramount is waiving Material Adverse Effect clause for cable network biz. In other words, any declines before close won't effect deal price. Also Paramount agrees to put in more $$ to satisfy lenders if necessary to support the solvency certificate....
Warner Bros. Discovery Anticipates Stronger Offer After $31 Bid
Paramount Skydance raised its bid to $31 per share — Warner Bros. Discovery said the updated bid "could reasonably be expected" to lead to a superior proposal https://t.co/z6F8zlBcky
Paramount's $31 per Share Bid Not Final, WBD Says
Clearly, WBD has been told or is inferring Paramount's $31/shr offer is still not the company's "best and final" offer -- and ongoing saga that still hasn't ended.
WBD Board Holds Off Decision on PSKY vs Netflix
“The Board has not made a determination as to whether the revised PSKY proposal is superior to the merger with Netflix. WBD will engage further with PSKY to determine if a proposal that constitutes a “Company Superior Proposal,” as defined...
WBD Board Says Para Offer May Prompt Superior Bid
Para offer —> $31/shr with $0.25 ticking fee…. WBD board says “Could Reasonably Be Expected to Lead to a “Company Superior Proposal””
Will Netflix Counter Paramount’s Potential Walk‑Away Offer?
⚡️ Would Netflix Be Attacking Paramount’s Backers if They Were About to Walk Away? ⚡️ Everyone is asking us the same question: will @Netflix match if the @wbd Board determines @Paramount’s “revised proposal” from earlier today is a “Company Superior...
Fund 1 Takes 10% Stake, Presses FNKO Sale
Fund 1 pops a 10% stake in $FNKO. Pushing for a sale of the struggling branded collectibles biz. Co trades ~5x Q3 run-rate EBITDA w/ room for further normalization. Staggered board though, so tough to see real movement unless mgmt is open to...