TechCrunch Industry News Warner Bros. Discovery rejects Paramount’s bid again, calls it a ‘leveraged buyout’; plus, Wearable health devices could generate a million tons of e-waste by 2050
Jan 7, 2026
Warner Bros. Discovery firmly rejected Paramount's massive $108.4 billion bid, citing concerns over debt and leverage. Meanwhile, the studio has urged shareholders to consider a favorable deal with Netflix instead. In a shift to health tech, discussions at CES revealed alarming projections that wearable health devices could generate over one million tons of e-waste by 2050. Researchers suggest adopting modular designs and common metals to address the environmental impact of rising demand and the carbon footprint of these gadgets.
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Debt Risk Undermines Paramount Bid
- Warner Bros. Discovery called Paramount Skydance's $108.4B bid a leveraged buyout that would saddle the company with massive debt.
- The board favored Netflix's $82.7B deal citing Netflix's stronger market cap, balance sheet, and free cash flow projections.
Paramount's Follow-Up Financing Story
- Paramount initially offered $30 per share in early December after Warner Bros. Discovery opted to sell to Netflix.
- Paramount then returned with a $40 billion guarantee from Larry Ellison and planned $54 billion in debt to fund the acquisition.
Netflix Framed As Safer Partner
- Warner Bros. Discovery contrasted Paramount's plan with Netflix's financial strength and stability.
- The company recommended shareholders approve Netflix's deal citing lower transaction risk.