The acquisition war in the media sector has gone beyond being just a commercial move involving billions of dollars. Paramount, launching a “hostile takeover” in response to Netflix’s bid for Warner Bros., has amassed a powerful and controversial following. According to Axios, the Paramount Warner Bros. bid is backed by President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and the investment group that acquired Electronic Arts (EA).
The Surprising Figures Behind the Paramount Warner Bros. Bid
Last week, Netflix was thought to be the winner with its $82.7 billion bid. However, Paramount counterattacked over the weekend, raising its offer to $108 billion ($30 per share). Furthermore, unlike Netflix, Paramount wants not just the studios but the entire Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio, including brands like CNN and DC.
Revealed SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) documents have revealed who is behind this massive cash bid from Paramount. The list includes Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), and investment groups based in Abu Dhabi and Qatar. This consortium is providing only financial support, relinquishing management rights.
Interestingly, this investment group supporting Paramount (PIF and Affinity Partners) is the same team that acquired gaming giant Electronic Arts. Kushner’s involvement adds a national political dimension to this commercial battle in the entertainment industry.
Paramount’s move is already politically charged. Before merging with David Ellison’s Skydance, the company settled a $16 million lawsuit with President Trump. Now, funds close to the Trump family appear to be opening their wallets to support the company’s growth.
Another detail highlighted in the reports is the Chinese tech giant Tencent. The company is noted as having previously been a financial partner in the offer presented to Warner Bros. Discovery investors. While billionaires continue their battle over streaming platforms and news channels (CNN), assets like Warner Bros. Games (Mortal Kombat, Batman) are seen as a “lower priority” asset among investors. However, the reappearance of actors involved in the EA acquisition reminds us that the future of thousands of game developers rests in the hands of these giant corporations.
So, what are your thoughts on this Paramount Warner Bros. bid, which involves political figures? To whom do you think Warner Bros. should be sold? Share your thoughts in the comments!
