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Paramount-Skydance Deal Clears Another Hurdle as WBD Shareholders Vote
business1 month ago

Paramount-Skydance Deal Clears Another Hurdle as WBD Shareholders Vote

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved a $31-per-share cash sale to David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance, a major step in a deal valued at about $81 billion in equity and $110 billion enterprise. CEO compensation tied to the merger was rejected by shareholders (non-binding). Pending regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to close in Q3 2026, with a 25-cent-a-share ticking fee if closing is delayed. The financing involves multi‑billion equity backing from the Ellison/RedBird group and $49 billion in debt commitments, and the merger faces antitrust scrutiny and industry pushback.

via Deadline|
#business#merger#paramount
Paramount Skydance Merger Clears Hurdle as WBD Shareholders Back Deal, Reject Top Exec Payouts
business1 month ago

Paramount Skydance Merger Clears Hurdle as WBD Shareholders Back Deal, Reject Top Exec Payouts

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders overwhelmingly approved Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion merger to create a larger media company, but voted against the lavish exit compensation for CEO David Zaslav and other top executives; the advisory vote is non-binding, meaning payouts could still proceed. Zaslav’s exit package includes roughly $34.2 million in cash severance, about $517.2 million in equity, health-benefits, and up to $335 million in IRS tax reimbursements for accelerated stock vesting, totaling at least $550 million. Other top executives are slated for nine-figure sums. Regulators’ approvals are still pending, and the deal could yield about $6 billion in cost savings with potential layoffs; the brief, virtual meeting lasted around 10 minutes.

via Variety|
#business#executive-compensation#merger
Zaslav Could Earn a Record $887 Million Golden Parachute in Warner Deal
business1 month ago

Zaslav Could Earn a Record $887 Million Golden Parachute in Warner Deal

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav could collect up to $887 million in a severance package if the company is acquired by Paramount Skydance in a $111 billion deal, including about $335 million to reimburse excise taxes. The compensation vote is nonbinding while shareholders vote on the sale, which is expected to trigger layoffs and cost cuts as the two studios and TV networks are consolidated. The arrangement has drawn criticism from ISS, highlighting the vast portion of the payout coming from stock vesting and the tax gross-up, amid broader concerns about debt and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the deal.

via Los Angeles Times|
#business#executive-compensation#golden-parachute
Zaslav’s WBD-Paramount Merger Windfall Nears $900 Million
business2 months ago

Zaslav’s WBD-Paramount Merger Windfall Nears $900 Million

Deadline reports Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s merger payout could top $700 million, potentially reaching about $886.8 million when including cash severance, unvested equity, perquisites, and a $334 million tax reimbursement; after adjustments (including $115.7 million in vested stock options) the minimum exit package is around $711.4 million, with the deal expected to close in Q3 2026 and ticking-fee provisions that could raise the total.

via Deadline|
#business#merger#paramount
Zaslav Liquidates $114 Million WBD Stake Ahead of Paramount Skydance Deal
business3 months ago

Zaslav Liquidates $114 Million WBD Stake Ahead of Paramount Skydance Deal

David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, filed to sell 4,004,149 WBD shares—worth about $114.1 million—on March 3, 2026, as WBD moves toward a Paramount Skydance acquisition at $31 per share. The sale comes shortly after the deal was clinched, Netflix had walked away from a prior agreement, and Zaslav still holds additional stock and options. The executive pay package has been under reevaluation, with compensation changes announced in 2025, and his net worth is estimated above $1 billion.

via Variety|
#business#netflix#paramount-skydance
WBD Bets on Creative Revival and Spin-Off Strategy Amid M&A Uncertainty
business3 months ago

WBD Bets on Creative Revival and Spin-Off Strategy Amid M&A Uncertainty

Warner Bros. Discovery executives used a Q4 call to tout a robust film slate, a reset year for gaming, and a planned Discovery Global spin-off, while ducking questions about Netflix/Paramount Skydance bids. CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels defended a sustainable 3.3x debt-to-EBITDA target as the company weighs strategic options, including a potential spinoff funded by its debt load. Executives also highlighted long-term content plans, such as a Harry Potter TV slate, and teased upcoming titles and games that could shape the company’s trajectory beyond the near term.

via Variety|
#business#discovery-global#manda
business5 months ago

Netflix Executives Tour Warner Bros. Studio Amid Industry Bid Battles

Netflix executives Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters visited Warner Bros. Studio lot with CEO David Zaslav amid Warner Bros. Discovery's rejection of Paramount Skydance's hostile bid, signaling strong support for Netflix's $82.7 billion offer to acquire WBD's streaming and studio assets, and highlighting ongoing negotiations and strategic interests in Hollywood.

via The Hollywood Reporter|
#business#netflix#peters
business5 months ago

Warner Bros. Discourages Shareholder Support for Paramount Takeover Amid Deal Disputes

Warner Bros. Discovery rejected Paramount Skydance's $30 per share takeover bid, citing concerns over valuation, regulatory issues, and the company's strategic direction, while the WBD board favored a deal with Netflix. The negotiations involved intense discussions over pay packages, foreign investment, and regulatory approvals, with Paramount's bid ultimately deemed insufficient compared to Netflix's offer.

via Variety|
#business#deal-talks#ellison
business7 months ago

Warner Bros. and Paramount Face New Industry Shakeup Amid M&A Rumors

David Zaslav's Warner Bros. Discovery is planning to split the company to reduce debt, while Paramount's David Ellison is exploring a potential $60 billion acquisition, with industry skepticism about the interest from major streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon. The deal landscape is complicated by debt, regulatory hurdles, and strategic considerations, with Zaslav aiming to maximize shareholder value amid a challenging media environment.

via Deadline|
#business#ellison#media-mergers
business11 months ago

Warner Bros. Discovery's Split Sparks Industry Uncertainty

Warner Bros. Discovery announced it will split into two companies—one for studios and streaming, and another for linear TV networks—with the transition expected to complete by 2026. CEO David Zaslav will lead the Studios & Streamers entity, while CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will head the Networks division. The move aims to enable both entities to pursue independent growth and dealmaking, but raises questions about leadership and strategic direction amid investor concerns and industry intrigue.

via Deadline|
#business#hollywood#media