What's so special about WBD? Major companies like Netflix are willing to pay 9 lakh crore rupees

Netflix Warner Bros. deal: The race for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has intensified. While Netflix has locked in a deal worth $72 billion, or approximately ₹6 lakh crore (approximately ₹6 lakh crore), Paramount has demonstrated its dominance with an offer of ₹108.4 billion (approximately ₹9.7 lakh crore) directly to shareholders. 

The question then becomes what makes WBD so special that major companies are willing to pay such a large sum. From HBO to DC Universe, this has become the biggest corporate battle over WBD's content and network value. Let's find out more about it…

Why is WBD so valuable?

WBD's true value lies in its content portfolio. From HBO to DC Comics, it boasts popular franchises with the highest market demand worldwide. 

These TV, film, and streaming assets are included in Netflix's $72 billion deal. This content is what sets WBD apart from other studios and compels major companies to invest large sums.

Paramount's $108.4 billion bid

Paramount launched a surprise bid after Netflix's $72 billion equity agreement. The bid included a $30-per-share cash offer to WBD shareholders and a call to reject the Netflix deal. 

Paramount alleges that a fair bidding process was not conducted and that Netflix was given an advantage. This aggressive move has thrown the deal into a completely new light.

Uproar in US politics and industry

The Netflix deal is being questioned at both the political and industry levels in the US. Donald Trump expressed concern over the $72 billion Netflix agreement and called for a better bidder. 

Leaders from both parties in Washington and Hollywood unions have warned that this will lead to a market monopoly and higher prices for consumers. Analysts believe that the merger of the two studios could also create a job crisis.

The future of content: Who will win and what impact will it have on the industry

If Paramount's proposal is accepted, the merger of two major studios would reshape the entertainment sector. Experts say Netflix will either have to raise prices or operate separate platforms to cover costs. 

Paramount, meanwhile, claims it will reshape the industry by becoming the largest investor. The outcome of this battle will be crucial not only for the companies but also for OTT strategies worldwide.

Why is Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) popular?

Warner Bros. Discovery is an American media and entertainment company that creates and operates television networks, movie studios, news, documentary, and OTT content. 

It was formed in 2022 by the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. It has one of the world's most powerful content libraries, including brands such as HBO, HBO Max, Discovery Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, CNN, Cartoon Network, and DC Comics.

Hollywood's WB Studios is one of the world's oldest and most successful film studios, having created hit franchises like Harry Potter, the Matrix, the DC Universe, Batman, and Joker. 

Overall, WBD's value stems from its content—top-rated TV shows, blockbuster movies, a global streaming audience, and renowned franchises—making it extremely attractive to any company.