Israeli-British-American businessman; co-CEO of Skydance, former Mattel chief
Skydance has announced plans to bundle Paramount+ and HBO Max in early 2027, following its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The company aims to unify backend platforms within a year of closing and to lean on AI tools to accelerate the process. The move is part of broader cost-cutting and convergence efforts as Paramount+ and HBO Max explore a bundled offer for consumers.
Twelve state attorneys general have reached a settlement with Paramount Skydance that has cleared the way for its merger with Warner Bros. The deal has required independent editorial boards for CNN and CBS, a commitment to release at least 30 theatrical films a year and a $30m penalty if that output target is missed. Critics and media advocates have condemned the concessions.
Condé Nast chief executive Lynch will depart after seven and a half years to lead Mattel. Mattel has launched a search for a new leader, with interim management by Mike Perlis. Lynch emphasizes a track record of growth, while Mattel faces questions about Barbie-era sales and IP-driven strategy.
David Ellison has closed the roughly $110 billion merger that combines Paramount and Warner Bros. into a single company rebranded Skydance. The deal has folded HBO Max and Paramount+ together under one owner, brought CBS and CNN into the same corporate roof, and left the new firm carrying heavy debt while promising film release minimums and editorial safeguards.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have merged into a single company, Skydance, uniting two historic studios, streaming services, and news brands under one leadership. Ellison and Kreiz lead the new entity, with plans to accelerate content development and expand global reach.
Skydance has completed its $111 billion merger, uniting Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery under one umbrella and creating a media giant that also includes CNN, CBS News, HBO Max and Paramount+. The deal promises a future of unified streaming, cost savings, and potential job impacts across film and news divisions.
Skydance has secured equity injections as Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merge under its banner. Elon Musk’s roughly $1 billion investment deepens ties with Larry Ellison’s family as the new media empire targets at least $6 billion in annual cost savings amid a heavy debt load.