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Netflix Announces $82.7 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros., Reshaping the Future of Entertainment
In one of the biggest media mergers in modern history, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have officially reached a landmark agreement for Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. — including its legendary film studio, television divisions, HBO, and streaming platform Max. Valued at an enormous $82.7 billion (with an equity value of $72 billion), the deal positions Netflix to become the most powerful entertainment company on the planet.
Set to close in the third quarter of 2026, the acquisition will follow WBD’s previously announced restructuring, which will spin off its Global Networks division into a separate publicly traded entity called Discovery Global. That new company will retain control of CNN, TNT Sports, and Discovery+. Meanwhile, Netflix will take full ownership of Warner Bros.’ studio empire and prestige catalog.
For Netflix, this is a massive leap forward. The streaming giant will blend its global innovation and algorithm-driven model with Warner Bros.’ century-long tradition of filmmaking, adding heavyweight IP to its arsenal. That includes Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and the entire DC Universe, alongside Netflix originals like Wednesday, Squid Game, and Stranger Things. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated the merger will allow Netflix to “entertain the world even better,” combining streaming-scale efficiency with top-tier storytelling heritage.
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Co-CEO Greg Peters emphasized that this move is about building long-term strength. Netflix expects the acquisition to accelerate the business for decades, ultimately delivering more choice for consumers, greater stability for the entertainment industry, and substantial value for shareholders. The company has already confirmed it will maintain Warner Bros.’ existing theatrical strategy — meaning major films will continue to debut on the big screen rather than shifting exclusively to streaming.
The merger is projected to generate $2–3 billion in annual cost savings by year three after closing, according to Netflix. Both companies’ Boards of Directors have unanimously approved the deal. What remains now are regulatory reviews, WBD shareholder approval, and the finalization of the Discovery Global separation.
If the deal clears its hurdles, Netflix will not only dominate the streaming era but also inherit one of Hollywood’s most storied legacies — a fusion that could redefine what “home of entertainment” means for generations to come.
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