Here’s What David Ellison Texted the Warner Bros. CEO After Hostile Takeover Attempt

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So, I’m hearing that David Ellison, the head of Paramount, actually made an offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery – and it wasn’t exactly a friendly one! Apparently, he’s now reached out to David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, after making what’s being called a ‘hostile bid.’ It’s all pretty dramatic stuff, and as a movie fan, I’m definitely keeping an eye on how this plays out – a lot could change in Hollywood if this goes through.

The Financial Times reports that Larry Ellison texted David Zaslav, saying he wanted to reach out because Zaslav was facing a difficult day. Ellison expressed his continued respect and admiration for Zaslav and his company, stating it would be a dream come true to partner with him and acquire the company’s well-known properties. He also indicated that he and his father were the individuals Zaslav had previously dined with if they were to collaborate.

So, things are getting interesting! Apparently, Paramount is really going after Warner Bros. Discovery – like, making a serious play to buy them. I heard from the inside that Bob Bakish shared what he’s thinking with Warner’s board and investors, but also with his own team at Paramount. He sent an email to everyone late Monday afternoon laying out his whole plan for how this deal could work. It sounds like he’s really trying to get everyone on board with this potential merger.

According to a memo obtained by Business Insider, Larry Ellison stated that merging Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery would significantly benefit both companies and the broader entertainment industry.

Ellison highlighted that his $30 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is more than Netflix’s $27.75 bid for WBD’s entertainment properties, like Warner Bros., HBO, and HBO Max. As Paramount’s CEO, he believes investors and employees will back the deal, seeing it as an opportunity to build a major media company capable of challenging Netflix and YouTube.

In a recent memo, Ellison explained that their interest in Warner Bros. Discovery stems from a genuine passion for the entertainment industry and a strong belief in its potential. He emphasized the power of storytelling, describing it as a major contributor to both American culture and the economy.

So, I was reading about the Netflix deal, and apparently, Ted Sarandos, one of their CEOs, was talking to President Trump about it. He said the President was really focused on one thing: making sure the deal would help create and protect jobs here in America. It sounds like that was a key part of the conversation.

Netflix claims its plan would help both viewers and the entertainment business, but Paramount is emphasizing the power and promising future of a merged company.

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2025-12-09 11:14