After buying Paramount and briefly becoming the world's richest man, Larry Ellison may buy Warner Bros. Discovery

Larry Ellison buying Warner Bros Discovery: One of the world’s wealthiest individuals may soon own two of the most powerful media companies in the United States. Just weeks after helping his son acquire Paramount Global, Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison is now backing a potential bid to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the media giant behind HBO, CNN, and Warner Bros. Studios, as per a report.

Larry Ellison Eyes Warner Bros. Discovery After Paramount Deal

The Ellisons’ interest in WBD, marks the latest chapter in an unfolding power play within the media and entertainment industry, one that draws comparisons to Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022, as per a Business Insider report.

Warner Bros. Discovery Takeover: A Musk-Style Power Play?

Similar to Musk's acquisition of Twitter, Ellison isn’t facing much competition. In fact, now that he and his son David have stepped forward, there may be no serious rival bidders at all.


This move follows a familiar pattern: an ultra-wealthy tech figure uses his vast fortune to take control of a major cultural institution, not necessarily because it makes business sense, but because he has the means to do it, as per Business Insider.

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When Musk bought Twitter, which is now known as X, he made a bold offer, priced far above its market value, and dared anyone to outbid him. No one did. Despite internal chaos and advertiser pullback, Musk’s wealth insulated him from the consequences, according to the report.

Larry Ellison now finds himself in a similar position. With a net worth that recently made him the world’s second richest person, he has the resources and the autonomy to push a deal forward, regardless of market reaction, as per Business Insider.

While Paramount is publicly traded, the Ellisons effectively control it, allowing them to pursue bold strategies without needing to appease investors or a skeptical boardroom. That's not a luxury competitors like Disney or Comcast can afford.

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WBD Stock Jumps After Ellison Bid Reports

Since the news of Ellison’s interest in WBD surfaced, the company’s stock has surged, adding about $10 billion in market value, reported Business Insider. That kind of jump would usually scare off potential acquirers, but for the Ellisons, it likely isn’t a concern, as per the report.

Will Ellison Overpay for WBD Like Musk Did for Twitter?

Just like Musk’s “best and final” offer for Twitter, priced well above its value to avoid a bidding war, the Ellisons may be preparing to overpay for WBD if that’s what it takes, and again, there’s not much anyone can do to stop them.

However, there is one difference between Musk and the Ellisons: unlike Musk, who made his intentions for Twitter clear from the start, turning it into a free speech platform and distancing it from what he called the “woke mind virus”, the Ellisons have not outlined a strong ideological mission, according to Business Insider.

David and Larry Ellison’s Political Ties Raise Questions

Larry Ellison is a known Republican donor and US president Donald Trump supporter, but his son David has previously supported Democrats, including a $1 million donation to former US president Joe Biden’s campaign, as per Business Insider.

This mix of political affiliations has left analysts uncertain about how a combined Paramount-WBD media empire might be run. Assets like CNN and CBS News, often in the political spotlight, could face strategic changes or be sold off entirely.

Some experts suggest the Ellisons may only be interested in parts of WBD and could spin off or sell segments of the business after acquiring it, as per the Business Insider report.

FAQs

Who is trying to buy Warner Bros. Discovery?
Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison is backing his son David Ellison’s potential bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Did the Ellisons buy Paramount?
Yes, David Ellison recently led a deal to acquire Paramount Global, with financial support from his father.