Global movie streaming platform, Netflix, is set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO.
A statement issued by both companies on Friday, revealed that the deal has a total enterprise value (including debt) of approximately $82.7 billion, with an equity value of $72 billion.
The announcement of Netflix’s deal to buy the Warner Bros. streaming and studios business came after a week-long bidding war that pitted the streaming giant against David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance and Comcast.
The cash and stock transaction is valued at $27.75 per share of WBD. The deal is expected to close in the next 12-18 months, the companies said, after the previously announced separation of WBD’s TV networks division, Discovery Global, into a new publicly traded company, which is now expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.
Under the terms of the agreement, each WBD shareholder will receive $23.25 in cash and $4.50 in shares of Netflix common stock for each share of WBD common stock outstanding at the closing of the transaction. The transaction values Warner Bros. Discovery at $27.75 per share, implying a total equity value of approximately $72.0 billion and an enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion
The Boards of Directors of both Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery unanimously approved the transaction. The deal is contingent on the completion of the spin-off of Discovery Global – as well as regulatory approvals, the approval of the deal by WBD shareholders and other “customary closing conditions.”
According to the companies, “This acquisition brings together two pioneering entertainment businesses, combining Netflix’s innovation, global reach and best-in-class streaming service with Warner Bros.’ century-long legacy of world-class storytelling.
“Beloved franchises, shows and movies such as The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard of Oz and the DC Universe will join Netflix’s extensive portfolio including Wednesday, Money Heist, Bridgerton, Adolescence and Extraction, creating an extraordinary entertainment offering for audiences worldwide.”
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, in a statement, said: “Our mission has always been to entertain the world. By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies – from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends – with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
Greg Peters, co-CEO of Netflix, added: “Warner Bros. has helped define entertainment for more than a century and continues to do so with phenomenal creative executives and production capabilities. With our global reach and proven business model, we can introduce a broader audience to the worlds they create – giving our members more options, attracting more fans to our best-in-class streaming service, strengthening the entire entertainment industry and creating more value for shareholders.”
On his part, David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, stated: “Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most. For more than a century, Warner Bros. has thrilled audiences, captured the world’s attention, and shaped our culture. By coming together with Netflix, we will ensure people everywhere will continue to enjoy the world’s most resonant stories for generations to come.”
In June 2025, WBD announced plans to separate its Streaming & Studios and Global Networks divisions into two separate publicly traded companies. This separation is expected to be completed in Q3 2026, prior to the closing of this transaction. The newly separated publicly traded company holding the Global Networks division, Discovery Global, will include premier entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery, free-to-air channels across Europe, and digital products such as Discovery+ and Bleacher Report.