Warner Bros Discovery is likely to turn down Paramount Skydance’s amended $108.4 billion hostile takeover offer, despite a personal guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison backing the bid, according to a person familiar with the matter, a Reuters report has stated.
While the board has not taken a final call, it is expected to meet next week to deliberate on the proposal, the source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal discussions.
According to the Reuters report, the development suggests Warner Bros Discovery may continue on its current path, including pursuing a rival cash-and-stock deal with Netflix, even as Paramount Skydance attempted to strengthen its offer. Both Warner Bros and Paramount declined to comment on the board’s position, which was earlier reported by CNBC.
Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison as chairman and CEO, sought to address concerns surrounding its earlier proposal by offering a personal equity guarantee from Larry Ellison. However, the company did not increase its $30-per-share all-cash offer. Instead, it raised the regulatory reverse termination fee to match Netflix’s and extended the tender offer deadline in an effort to make the bid more attractive.
Despite the higher headline value, analysts have pointed out that Netflix’s $82.7 billion offer presents a clearer financing structure and carries fewer execution risks. Under the terms of the Netflix agreement, Warner Bros Discovery would be liable to pay a $2.8 billion breakup fee if it decides to walk away from that deal.
Paramount has maintained that its proposal would encounter fewer regulatory hurdles, arguing that a combined Paramount-Warner Bros entity would create a studio larger than Disney while bringing together two major television operators.
However, Warner Bros Discovery’s board had earlier urged shareholders to reject Paramount’s $108.4 billion offer for the entire company, including its cable television assets, citing uncertainty over financing and the lack of a comprehensive guarantee from the Ellison family at the time.
Sudhir Chaudhary wins two big Honours at XIIᵗʰ BCS Ratna Award 2026
12th BCS Ratna Award: JioStar’s Aravamudhan is Lifetime Achievement honouree
XIIth BCS Ratna Award : JioStar CEO Entertainment Kevin Vaz honoured
XIIth BCS Ratna Award 2026: Media achievers honoured
12th BCS Ratna Award a roaring success; honours excellence in M&E
Twelfth BCS Ratna Award boasts stellar lineup; to be held on Aug 5
Apple TV’s ‘Slow Horses’ S6 trailer sets Sept. 16 premiere date
Rishab Shetty wins leadership in Cinema Award at IFFM 2026
Spotify introduces Playlist Notes feature for users and editors
Philips names ‘Toxic’ star Yash men’s grooming brand ambassador
Disney opens Princess Week with new short celebrating legacy 


