EU to review Netflix and Paramount bids for Warner Bros simultaneously

Netflix recently revised its offer to an all-cash bid of about $82.7 billion, or $27.75 per share, aiming to provide greater certainty to shareholders and accelerate the deal process

e4m by e4m Staff
Published: Jan 23, 2026 3:20 PM  | 1 min read
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European Union competition authorities are expected to examine rival takeover proposals for Warner Bros. Discovery from Netflix and Paramount Skydance in parallel, an unusual move that could intensify the high-stakes bidding battle for the Hollywood studio.

According to Bloomberg News, the European Commission’s merger watchdog plans a head-to-head assessment because both bids are progressing on similar timelines and the companies have already held preliminary discussions with regulators.

The takeover fight puts some of the entertainment industry’s most valuable assets at stake, including DC Comics, major franchises such as Friends and Batman, and the HBO Max streaming platform. Control of these assets could significantly alter the balance of power in global media and streaming markets.

Netflix recently revised its offer to an all-cash bid of about $82.7 billion, or $27.75 per share, aiming to provide greater certainty to shareholders and accelerate the deal process. The proposal has received unanimous backing from Warner Bros. Discovery’s board.

Any transaction is expected to face extensive antitrust scrutiny beyond Europe, with regulators in the United States and the United Kingdom also likely to assess the potential impact on competition and media consolidation.

Published On: Jan 23, 2026 3:20 PM