Paramount Secures $24 Billion in Gulf Funding for Warner Bros Deal
Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) has reportedly secured approximately $24 billion in equity commitments from major Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Gulf Sovereign Funds Back the Deal
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute around $10 billion, alongside additional investments from the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding Co. These commitments provide significant financial backing for one of the largest media deals in recent years.
Strategic Financing for a Landmark Acquisition
The funding will help Paramount, led by David Ellison, and its partner RedBird Capital manage the financial burden of the takeover, which was first announced in February. While Paramount had previously disclosed total funding commitments, the latest report reveals the specific investors involved.
Deal Includes Major Media Assets
The acquisition covers high-profile assets such as HBO and CNN, further strengthening Paramount’s position in the global media and entertainment industry.
Regulatory Review Underway
The deal is currently under regulatory review in Europe and could potentially be finalized as early as July, pending approvals.
Minority Stakes to Avoid Regulatory Hurdles
According to the report, Gulf investors will receive minority, non-voting stakes in the combined entity. This structure is not expected to trigger U.S. national security or communications-related regulatory scrutiny.
