Comcast Claims Edge in Warner Bros. Discovery Battle

According to the New York Post, Comcast leaders are confident they will win the bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, with final offers expected this week.

Despite Comcast CEO Brian Roberts’ efforts, Wall Street doesn’t believe the company will succeed. The report suggests regulatory challenges, limited cash, and significant debt make it an unlikely winner.

Regulatory Roadblocks and Trump Factor

Experts following antitrust issues suggest that even if Comcast—the owner of Universal—tried to make an acquisition, it could take over two years and might not succeed. Existing financial concerns like high debt, a low stock price, and limited cash flow are significant obstacles.

Let’s be real, the biggest hurdle here isn’t about business, it’s politics. Any acquisition would need a green light from the Department of Justice under the Trump administration, and that’s a tough sell. As you probably know, President Trump doesn’t exactly have warm feelings towards the CEO of the company that owns MSNBC and Saturday Night Live – two outlets that haven’t been shy about criticizing him. It’s hard to imagine his DOJ signing off on anything benefiting this particular leader.

Okay, so it’s pretty clear who Donald Trump is rooting for in this whole media deal – it’s Paramount Skydance, the company headed up by David Ellison. Apparently, the Ellison family and Trump have a long-standing relationship, which definitely feels like it’s influencing things, if you ask me.

Saudi Meetings Raise New Questions

According to The Post, Roberts was seen in Saudi Arabia meeting with the country’s Public Investment Fund, which is also considering a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. This raises the possibility that Comcast could be working with Saudi investors.

When a foreign entity buys a significant U.S. media company, it always creates regulatory challenges. However, this particular situation is drawing extra attention because of the close relationship between former President Trump and the leaders of Saudi Arabia.

In other words: Trump is friends with the Saudis. Problem solved.

A Hollywood producer has also said the Saudi WBD deal is only one signature away.

Trump Leaning Toward Paramount Skydance

The report indicates that Donald Trump is likely to approve the approximately $60 billion cash offer from Paramount Skydance. The close relationship between the Ellison family and Trump makes approval even more probable, and Paramount Skydance is expected to encounter less scrutiny from regulators compared to companies like Comcast, Netflix, or Amazon.

As final offers are about to be submitted, those supporting Trump seem to be gaining ground, and Comcast might be overconfident in their chances.

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2025-11-18 06:01