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Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global mass media and entertainment companies are reportedly planning a merger. Based on the reports, the chief executive officers of the two firms - David Zaslav and Bob Bakish, respectively, have met up to discuss a possible deal.
According to Reuters, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global are in the early stages of talks for a potential unification of the companies. A source provided this information to the publication on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Details of the CEOs’ Business Discussion
Based on the details shared by several sources who are familiar with the matter, aside from having a meeting with Bakish, Warner Bros. Discovery’s chief David Zaslav also spoke with Shari Redstone, the non-executive chairwoman of Paramount Global and president of National Amusement, which owns the entertainment studio.
Zaslav’s meeting with Bakish reportedly lasted for several hours. Then again, the source said it is not clear if Warner Bros. Discovery intends to purchase Paramount Global or if it is targeting its parent company - the National Amusements Inc. (NAI).
No Guarantee for a Merger Deal Yet
The merger talks are still in a very early stage, and CNBC pointed out that this means there is no guarantee yet that the deal will proceed. This means the acquisition plans may not happen at all despite an initial discussion about it.
Meanwhile, CNN Business reported that Paramount Global is currently in need of a strategic partner to remain alive in the current media landscape. It was suggested that this is why Shari Redstone of the National Amusements may have engaged in talks to sell her stake in the company - Paramount Global.
Business observers said that consolidation or mergers in the media business are now needed for companies to continue their legacy in the entertainment industry. They said that firms must scale up their efforts to compete with major tech giants in Silicon Valley to stay afloat.
