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”.
