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Netflix has agreed an $83bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, in a deal that hands it one of Hollywood’s most celebrated studios and creates a global entertainment powerhouse.
The transaction will transform Netflix into the dominant player in Hollywood, adding a coveted library of content including the Harry Potter and Batman franchises, WBD’s streaming business and the premium programming of HBO.
As part of the takeover, WBD will continue with the planned spin-off of its cable television networks, including CNN, Discovery and Turner, into a separate company before the studios and streaming businesses are sold to Netflix.
In an auction that kicked off in October and was overseen by WBD boss David Zaslav, Netflix saw off competition for the businesses from Paramount and Comcast.
Announcing the deal on Friday, Zaslav said: “By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come.”
Under the agreement, WBD investors will receive $23.3 in cash and $4.5 worth of Netflix shares for each WBD share. The transaction gives WBD an enterprise value, including debt, of $82.7bn. Its equity is valued at $72bn.
The deal, which was approved by the boards of Netflix and WBD, will need the backing of WBD shareholders and sign-off from regulators. It is expected to close in 12 to 18 months, the companies said.
Zaslav is set to stay as the head of the new WBD studios, which will be kept operationally separate from Netflix to make and distribute movies and TV shows.
The deal will hand Netflix control of one of the leading film and TV production and distribution pipelines, which will give the tech group unprecedented power in Hollywood. Netflix has promised to maintain Warner Bros’ theatrical releases for films.
The combination of Netflix and WBD will prove a test for regulators in the US and Europe, where both companies have extensive operations.
Those close to the deal said they were confident any regulatory hurdles could be overcome, pointing to the fierce competition for global audiences not just from rival streamers but also platforms such as YouTube.
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