image sourced from original article at Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, has emerged as a key backer in Paramount's $108 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, joining forces with major sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East. The bid, revealed in a regulatory filing, positions Paramount against Netflix, which has also made a competing offer for Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studio assets. Paramount's proposal is an all-cash offer for the entire company, while Netflix's bid is a mix of cash and stock focused on specific assets.
The involvement of Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, adds a new layer to the high-stakes takeover battle, especially as former President Donald Trump has voiced concerns about potential antitrust issues if Netflix and Warner Bros. combine. Trump recently met with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos to discuss these concerns, while Paramount continues to court Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders. The outcome of the bidding war could reshape the media landscape, with significant implications for the control of major networks and streaming platforms.
