HBO Max and Paramount+ To Merge Into One Streaming Service
Source: Slashdot
Background
Paramount Skydance plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single streaming platform, following its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The move would bring together “a little over 200 million direct‑to‑consumer subscribers,” according to CEO David Ellison.
“We think that really positions us to compete with the leaders in the space.”
Ellison added that Paramount does not intend to alter the HBO brand:
“Our viewpoint is HBO should stay HBO,” he said, noting that his favorite HBO product is Game of Thrones.
If approved by Justice Department regulators, the merged service would feature recent HBO Max hits such as The Pitt and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms alongside Paramount titles like South Park and Yellowstone.
“They built a phenomenal brand. They are a leader in the space, and we just want them to continue doing more of it.”
Deal Details
- Acquisition target: Warner Bros. Discovery
- Valuation: Approximately $110 billion
- Potential synergies: Consolidation of Warner Bros. and Paramount studios, HBO Max and Paramount+, and CBS and CNN under one parent company
The deal still requires regulatory approval.
Regulatory Outlook
The Justice Department is expected to scrutinize the transaction closely because, without divestitures, it would place major segments of the film, television, and news industries under a single umbrella.
Ellison expressed confidence that the deal would not encounter significant regulatory hurdles.
Sources
- Paramount Skydance plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single streaming platform – The Washington Post
- Acquisition details and context – Slashdot