Netflix continues the process of acquiring Warner Bros. assets. The decisive phase of negotiations concerns Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. film studios, HBO, and the streaming segment. While Paramount Skydance prepares a competing offer, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched an antitrust investigation into the planned transaction of the streaming giant.

Refusal to Dismiss Susan Rice

Ted Sarandos rejected President Trump's demand, calling the merger with WBD a pure business interest, not a political one.

DOJ Antitrust Investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an official investigation to examine the merger's impact on market competitiveness.

Paramount's Final Offer

Paramount Skydance has until February 23 to present a revised offer to purchase WBD, estimated at $32 per share.

James Cameron's Opposition

The famous director warns of Netflix's dominance, sparking a media debate involving actor Mark Ruffalo.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, during an interview with BBC Radio 4, unequivocally distanced himself from political pressure from the White House. Donald Trump, via the Truth Social platform, demanded that the company dismiss Susan Rice, who has served on the board since 2018, threatening the company with 'consequences'. Sarandos emphasized that Netflix will not yield to pressure, stating: „This is a business transaction, not a political one”. The dispute erupts at a critical moment for the media market, as Netflix seeks to finalize the acquisition Warner Bros. Discovery. The situation is complicated by the fact that the deadline for Paramount Skydance to submit a counteroffer expires on February 23 at midnight. The competitor is expected to propose $32 per share, which would surpass Netflix's previous offers. Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Justice has issued a civil investigative demand, examining whether the merger could lead to monopolization of the market and a significant weakening of competition in the entertainment sector. Since the enactment of the Sherman Act in 1890, U.S. regulatory bodies have rigorously monitored mergers of large corporations to prevent the formation of trusts that threaten the free market.Representatives from the film world have also joined the public debate. Director James Cameron, in a letter to Senator Mike Lee, expressed concern, stating that Netflix's dominance could be 'catastrophic for the cinema business'. Meanwhile, actor Mark Ruffalo publicly questioned these concerns, asking whether Cameron and other critics are equally opposed to market consolidation by Paramount. Sarandos described these accusations as „confusing”, arguing that the acquisition of a film studio by a streaming platform stimulates growth across the entire industry. „This is a business deal. It's not a political deal. This deal is run by the Department of Justice in the U.S. and regulators throughout Europe and around the world” — Ted Sarandos 83 mld USD — is the valuation of the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger. Currently, the market is anxiously awaiting a move from the Warner Bros. Discovery board, which, after receiving a final offer from Paramount Skydance, will have to decide on the conglomerate's future. Investors on the stock exchange remain calm, even as Netflix faces a triple challenge: political pressure from the president, antitrust scrutiny, and a bidding war with David Ellison.

Mentioned People

  • Ted Sarandos — Co-CEO of Netflix, defending the transaction with WBD.
  • Susan Rice — Netflix board member, former U.S. National Security Advisor.
  • James Cameron — Film director criticizing the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger.
  • Donald Trump — U.S. President who demanded Netflix dismiss Susan Rice.
  • Mark Ruffalo — Actor questioning James Cameron's arguments in the merger dispute.