Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos met with U.S. President Donald Trump in November to discuss a potential $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros, sources reported. The meeting reportedly centered on whether the deal would receive federal support, with Trump indicating that Warner Bros should sell to the highest bidder. Sarandos left the discussion believing that the president would likely not oppose the acquisition.
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Trump later confirmed the meeting and shared his views on the potential deal. He praised Netflix as a company, calling it “a great company” and lauding Sarandos as “a fantastic man.” However, the former president also expressed caution, noting the implications for market share, and added, “But it’s a lot of market share, so we’ll have to see what happens.”
The potential acquisition comes amid uncertainty at Warner Bros. Discovery, whose CEO David Zaslav was initially hesitant to sell the company. Zaslav had intended to wait until the studio completed a planned split between its movie and streaming businesses and its cable networks. The prospect of a Paramount acquisition reportedly accelerated Warner Bros.’ consideration of alternative offers.
🎬 Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. studio and streaming business for $72 billion https://t.co/zkcPDT1cvS
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As the process unfolded, multiple bids were explored, with Netflix reportedly emerging as the preferred buyer. Industry analysts suggest that Paramount could still mount a hostile bid, keeping the competition alive and adding complexity to the acquisition.
If completed, the deal would represent one of the largest transactions in the entertainment industry, reshaping streaming and media market dynamics. Observers note that the involvement of government and regulatory oversight could influence the timeline and terms of the acquisition, making it a closely watched development in Hollywood and corporate America.
Read More: Netflix to acquire Warner Bros Discovery for $72bn
Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros signals the company’s continued ambition to expand its content library and consolidate its position in the global entertainment market.