Los Angeles Times • 2/10/2026 – 2/11/2026

Paramount has enhanced its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) amid a hostile takeover bid. The company, backed by David Ellison, has introduced a "ticking fee" as part of its proposal. This fee amounts to $0.25 per share and will be paid to WBD shareholders for each quarter the transaction remains incomplete beyond December 31, 2026. Additionally, Paramount has committed to covering a $2.8 billion termination fee associated with the deal. The move to sweeten the offer comes as Paramount seeks to gain traction in its acquisition efforts. The ticking fee is designed to incentivize WBD shareholders by providing them with additional compensation for the delay in closing the deal. This strategy reflects Paramount's intention to make its bid more appealing in a competitive landscape. Paramount's revised proposal has garnered attention from various media outlets, highlighting the significance of the ongoing negotiations. The company's efforts to secure a favorable outcome in its acquisition bid underscore the high stakes involved in the media industry, where consolidation is becoming increasingly common. As the situation develops, the implications of this takeover bid will likely resonate throughout the sector.
Advertisement
Stories gain Lindy status through source reputation, network consensus, and time survival.