Exclusive: Netflix May Boost Bid in Warner Bros Battle, Sources Say

• Netflix's current bid stands at $27.75 per share and the company has sufficient cash reserves to increase its offer if necessary
• The acquisition target includes highly valuable intellectual property franchises such as HBO Max, 'Harry Potter', 'Game of Thrones', and DC Comics properties
• Paramount Skydance is the competing bidder, with Warner Bros Discovery shareholders scheduled to vote on March 20

Netflix-Warner Bros Acquisition Battle Summary

Key Development:

Netflix may increase its current $27.75 per share bid for Warner Bros Discovery if competing bidder Paramount Skydance raises its offer, according to sources familiar with the matter. The streaming giant reportedly has sufficient cash reserves to support a higher valuation.

Companies Involved:

• Netflix: Current bidder with financial capacity to increase offer
• Warner Bros Discovery: Acquisition target, owner of HBO Max
• Paramount Skydance: Rival bidder creating competitive tension

Strategic Assets:

Warner Bros' portfolio includes valuable entertainment franchises:

• Harry Potter series
• Game of Thrones
• DC Comics and Superman properties
• HBO Max streaming platform

Timeline:

Warner Bros Discovery has set a March 20 deadline for the bidding process, indicating a potential resolution within the coming month.

Market Implications:

This acquisition battle represents significant consolidation in the streaming and media entertainment sector. The winner would gain control of premium content libraries critical for competing in the increasingly crowded streaming market. Netflix's willingness to increase its bid demonstrates the strategic value placed on established franchises and intellectual property in driving subscriber growth and retention.

The competitive bidding situation could drive Warner Bros' final sale price significantly higher than the current $27.75 per share offer. Both Netflix and Warner Bros declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.

This deal would mark one of the largest media acquisitions in recent years, reshaping the competitive landscape of streaming entertainment and content ownership.