Netflix to acquire Warner Bros for $72 billion
Netflix will have control over major franchises including Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.
By Shawn Tan -
On 5th December (US timing), Netflix announced a blockbuster deal to acquire Warner Bros., including HBO Max and HBO, for a whopping US$72 billion. The acquisition is expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months.
With this mega-merger, Netflix will gain access to Warner Bros.’ vast content catalogue - spanning classics like The Wizard of Oz, iconic series such as The Sopranos and Game of Thrones, long-running hits like The Big Bang Theory, and the entire DC Universe. The expanded library of content will entrench Netflix as an even more dominant player in the global video streaming market.
Beyond content, Netflix says the acquisition will boost its studio capabilities and “significantly expand U.S production capacity”, creating jobs and strengthening the entertainment industry. For the creative community, there are “more opportunities to work with beloved intellectual property, tell new stories and connect with a wider audience”.
Netflix also states it expects to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases. The video streaming giant also aims to “optimise its plans for consumers” and enhance viewing options.
Whether this optimisation will ultimately result in higher prices remains unclear. Netflix raised its Singapore subscription fees earlier this year, with plans now starting from S$15.98 per month.
Previously, Warner Bros. Discovery had already announced the separation of its Global Networks division, Discovery Global, into a new publicly traded company that will be completed in Q3 2026. This separation will take place before the new Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. transaction is completed.
Source: Netflix