Fri, 05 Dec 2025

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 Netflix to buy Warner Bros film and streaming businesses for $72bn

The major Hollywood deal means Netflix will takeover ownership of franchises including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.

* Netflix has agreed to buy the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros Discovery for $72bn (£54bn) in a major Hollywood deal.
* The takeover will create a new giant in the entertainment industry, but still needs approval from competition authorities.
* Netflix estimates it will find $2-3 billion in savings through eliminating overlaps between the two companies.
* Films made by Warner Bros will continue to be released in cinemas, and the studio will continue to produce for third parties.
* The deal includes HBO Max, which will become part of Netflix's streaming platform.
* Some critics have raised concerns about the impact on workers and consumers, with the Writers Guild of America saying the merger must be blocked.
* Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos said the company is "highly confident" it will receive regulatory approval and is running "full speed" towards completing the deal.
* The takeover is expected to have a significant impact on the global cinema business, with some predicting higher prices for consumers.
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