Ray Seilie recently spoke with Business Insider about Paramount’s efforts to acquire the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including both streaming channels and studios, before the company’s anticipated split in mid-2026.
The potential mega-merger raises many regulatory questions, especially around antitrust concerns. However, as the article explores, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison’s harmonious relationship with President Trump, and the administration’s positive attitude towards mergers and acquisitions in its second term, could be a marker for success. Ray shares, “There’s room for some optimism by the companies that they would be able to consummate this merger if they wanted to.”
Ray continues to explain that Paramount Skydance is likely approaching the merger with a “now or never” mindset, as Warner Bros. Discovery’s anticipated separation could bring additional bidding delays to acquiring post-split.
While Hollywood will likely oppose this mega-merger due to the control Paramount would have over the market, Paramount may argue it is necessary to survive in the industry as its competitors prepare similar bids. Ray tells Business Insider, “It’s possible that the way things are right now are unsustainable, and they need this merger in order to effectively compete against Netflix.”
