Paramount Lost WBD Bid By 75 Cents: Reportedly Plans Counterattack

The Paramount fight for WBD isn’t over.

The New York Post reports that Oracle’s Larry and Melanie Ellison are very upset after losing the bidding war for Netflix by only 75 cents per share. They’re reportedly planning a new move that could potentially disrupt the entire deal.

Ellisons “Livid” After WBD Picks Netflix

According to the report, both Paramount Skydance and Netflix made offers to buy Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) at around $30 per share. Paramount Skydance offered $30, while Netflix’s offer was slightly higher, at $30.75.

Even though the deal was very close, Warner Bros. Discovery chose Netflix’s bid. Sources suggest the Ellisons think the process favored Netflix due to the close relationship between Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos.

They’re now considering taking their case directly to shareholders in a hostile takeover.

WBD Says Paramount Had “Six Tries”

According to The Post, people familiar with Warner Bros. Discovery believe Paramount Global had several chances to acquire a controlling stake but couldn’t provide the financial certainty needed. Netflix’s strong offer—including a large penalty fee for backing out and substantial available funds—gave them a significant advantage.

Despite current progress, people familiar with Warner Bros. Discovery say a higher offer from Paramount—around $35 per share—could completely change things. The report also indicates that WBD’s CEO, David Zaslav, would consider a competing bid from the Ellisons.

Even with all the recent disruptions, David Zaslav – often called Zas in the media – is reportedly willing to consider another offer from the Ellisons. Until the merger is finalized, anything could still happen, especially given the intense competition surrounding this deal, according to sources familiar with Zaslav’s thinking.

Hostile Bid Still on the Table

The Ellisons might oppose a merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, claiming it would likely face significant antitrust challenges if Donald Trump were president.

Netflix believes recent talks between Sarandos and Trump have eased those concerns.

Either way, the battle isn’t finished. Paramount is gearing up for another move.

Our insiders also said a war is brewing in Hollywood which might involve Trump saving the day.

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2025-12-06 02:01