CMA launches antitrust probe into Hollywood’s mega merger Media The UK’s competition watchdog has launched a formal merger enquiry into Paramount Skydance’s anticipated $110bn (£86bn) acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, escalating the regulatory hurdles facing a deal that has already triggered a fierce, multi-front corporate war over Hollywood jobs and executive payouts. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced Tuesday it has commenced its [...]
Warner Bros reopens Paramount talks as bidding war escalates Media Warner Bros Discovery has resumed talks with Paramount Skydance, reigniting the takeover battle with Netflix for one of Hollywood’s most sought-after studios. WBD confirmed it is entering seven days of deal discussions with the David Ellison-backed group, even as it continues to stand by its agreed $82.7bn (£60.94bn) deal with Netflix. The move follows months [...]
Disney streaming gains momentum as Hollywood pressure builds Media Disney beat Wall Street expectations in its latest quarter, buoyed by an unexpected improvement in its streaming business, despite rising costs hitting the entertainment industry. The media giant reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.63 for its first fiscal quarter, ahead of estimates of around $1.56. Revenue rose five per cent year on year to [...]
Netflix flashes the cash to end Hollywood’s bidding war January 14, 2026 Netfix is reportedly readying an all-cash offensive to secure its long-awaited $83bn takeover of Warner Bros, in a move set to kill off a persistent hostile bid from rival Paramount Skydance. The Los Gatos streaming giant is set to snub the cash and stock bid in favour of a simpler, hard-currency deal, as it aims [...]
Pressure mounts as Ellison stakes $40bn for Warner Bros December 23, 2025 In the latest twist in Hollywood’s own corporate soap opera, tech billionaire Larry Ellison has personally guaranteed $40.4bn (£30bn) to support Paramount Skydance’s $108.4bn bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), in a bid to outflank Netflix in the fight for the entertainment giant. Warner Bros urged shareholders last week to reject Paramount’s all-cash offer, citing [...]
Robert De Niro reveals favourite movie he’s ever made – and it’s not The Godfather or Taxi Driver November 14, 2025 Hollywood legend Robert De Niro has revealed his favourite movie he’s ever made – and it’s not one many will have heard of. The Oscar winner was speaking to CityAM this week to mark the start of construction of a £360m skyscraper in Manchester which his company, Nobu Hospitality, is involved in. The development [...]
Trump’s film tariffs could be a real test for the UK’s creative economy September 30, 2025 The UK’s film and television sector is a significant component of the national economy, and its future is now a central topic in transatlantic trade talks. US President Donald Trump has proposed a 100 per cent tariff on films produced outside the United States, a move he says is aimed at reversing what he calls [...]
Trump launches fresh tariffs as government shutdown looms September 30, 2025 In a frenetic 24 hours for the President, Donald Trump has launched fresh tariffs on the US’s trading partners as his government looks to be marching towards shutdown. The White House has said it will charge a 10 per cent tariff on foreign softwood lumber and timber, used in a wide variety of building materials, [...]
Trump threatens 100 per cent tariff on UK films to ‘protect Hollywood’ September 29, 2025 President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to impose a 100 per cent tariff on “any and all” films produced outside the USA, a move that has sparked concern across the British film industry. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump criticised foreign movie production as “stealing candy from a baby”, and accused [...]
How the UK took on Hollywood (and why Trump wants it back) May 22, 2025 With expanding film studios and its creative talent, the UK is forging a new era of Hollywood. It's no surprise Trump wants it back.