Netflix has confirmed it will officially acquire Warner Bros in a deal worth $82.7bn, under which Netflix will acquire Warner Bros, including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO, but not Discovery Global.
The cash and stock transaction is valued at $27.75 per WBD share with a total enterprise value of approximately $82.7bn (equity value of $72bn). The transaction is expected to close after the previously announced separation of WBD’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global, into a new publicly-traded company, which is now expected to be completed in Q3 2026.
The transaction was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both Netflix and WBD. In addition to the completion of the separation of Discovery Global, completion of the transaction is subject to required regulatory approvals, approval of WBD shareholders and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in 12-18 months.
Franchises, shows and movies such as The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard Of Oz and the DC Universe will now join Netflix’s portfolio.
A cause for concern in the film industry is what the acquisition means for the state of the theatrical business, with Netflix being, to-date, resistant to the theatrical model. A statement from Netflix said: “Netflix expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases for films.”
The statement also said the acquisition will “enhance Netflix’s studio capabilities, allowing the Company to significantly expand US production capacity and continue to grow investment in original content over the long term which will create jobs and strengthen the entertainment industry” while adding “deep film and TV libraries for consumers”.
It also noted: “The Company also expects to realize at least $2-3bn of cost savings per year by the third year.”
The newly separated publicly traded company holding the Global Networks division, Discovery Global, will include premier entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world including CNN, TNT Sports in the US, and Discovery, free-to-air channels across Europe, and digital products such as Discovery+ and Bleacher Report.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
“This acquisition will improve our offering and accelerate our business for decades to come,” continued Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix. “Warner Bros. has helped define entertainment for more than a century and continues to do so with phenomenal creative executives and production capabilities. With our global reach and proven business model, we can introduce a broader audience to the worlds they create—giving our members more options, attracting more fans to our best-in-class streaming service, strengthening the entire entertainment industry and creating more value for shareholders.”
“Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. “For more than a century, Warner Bros. has thrilled audiences, captured the world’s attention, and shaped our culture. By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come.”
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