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Netflix has switched its agreement for Warner Bros. Discovery to an all-cash deal.
The new transaction values Warners at $27.75 per share and removes the $4.50 Netflix stock element, which was part of the agreement that beat out Paramount. As previously announced, Discovery Global is not included.
Both Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) said the agreement “provides enhanced certainty” to WBD shareholders by “eliminating market-based variability.” The new agreement would also likely led to a faster pathway to a vote on the transaction – by April 2026.
The agreement also heaps the pressure back on the other WBD suitor, Paramount, which has been lobbying to get the Netflix deal quashed and allow for its own offer of $30 per share to be taken forward. Paramount’s offer factors in the Discovery portion of the business, which Netflix is not buying.
“Today’s revised merger agreement brings us even closer to combining two of the greatest
storytelling companies in the world and with it even more people enjoying the entertainment
they love to watch the most,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of WBD.
“By coming together with Netflix, we will combine the stories Warner Bros. has told that have
captured the world’s attention for more than a century and ensure audiences continue to enjoy
them for generations to come.”
“The WBD Board continues to support and unanimously recommend our transaction, and we
are confident that it will deliver the best outcome for stockholders, consumers, creators and the
broader entertainment community,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix.
“Our revised all-cash agreement will enable an expedited timeline to a stockholder vote and provide greater financial certainty at $27.75 per share in cash, plus the value from the planned separation of Discovery Global. Together, Netflix and Warner Bros. will deliver broader choice and greater value to
audiences worldwide, enhancing access to world-class television and film both at home and in
theaters. The acquisition will also significantly expand U.S. production capacity and investment
in original programming, driving job creation and long-term industry growth.”
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