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Ancora challenges WBD (WBD) Netflix deal, touts higher all-cash Paramount offer

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(Neutral)
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PX14A6G

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Ancora Alternatives LLC, a Warner Bros. Discovery shareholder, is urging investors to oppose the proposed Netflix transaction and push the Board to re-engage with a rival offer from Paramount Skydance Corporation. Ancora argues that the Netflix deal is “flawed, inferior and high risk.”

The notice highlights that WBD’s Board chose an offer with maximum cash of $27.75 per share plus spin‑off stock instead of a competing $30 per share all‑cash proposal from Paramount. Based on WBD’s preliminary proxy, Ancora says cash from the Netflix transaction could fall to $21.23 per share.

Ancora points to antitrust concerns cited in media reports about Netflix acquiring WBD and contrasts this with Paramount’s proposal, which it says is backed by the Ellison Trust and includes a potential $0.25 per‑share “ticking fee.” Ancora states it will vote “NO” on the Netflix deal if the Board does not re-engage with Paramount and signals it may seek to hold directors accountable at the 2026 annual meeting.

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Insights

Ancora challenges WBD’s Netflix deal and promotes a rival Paramount cash offer.

Ancora is mounting an exempt solicitation campaign against Warner Bros. Discovery’s proposed combination with Netflix. It argues the Board passed on a higher all‑cash proposal from Paramount Skydance Corporation, and instead endorsed a structure combining cash and Discovery Global spin‑off equity.

The materials emphasize economic terms: maximum cash of $27.75 per share from the Netflix deal, potentially as low as $21.23 per WBD’s preliminary proxy, versus a Paramount proposal offering $30 per share in cash plus a $0.25 "ticking fee." Ancora frames Paramount’s funding as credible, citing the Ellison Trust’s large Oracle shareholdings.

From a governance perspective, Ancora urges the Board to deem Paramount’s revised offer reasonably capable of becoming a “Superior Proposal” so negotiations can resume. It also references reported antitrust concerns around the Netflix deal. The actual outcome will depend on Board deliberations, shareholder voting, and regulatory reviews disclosed in future company communications.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

NOTICE OF EXEMPT SOLICITATION
Submitted Pursuant to Rule 14a-6(g)

(Amendment No. ____)

1.Name of the Registrant:

Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

2.Name of Person Relying on Exemption:

Ancora Alternatives LLC

3.Address of Person Relying on the Exemption:

C/O ANCORA HOLDINGS GROUP, LLC

6060 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 200

Cleveland, Ohio 44124

4.Written Material. The following written materials are attached:

Press Release, dated February 11, 2026.

 

Presentation, dated February 11, 2026, attached hereto as Exhibit 1.

*     *     *

Written materials are submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-6(g)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This is not a solicitation of authority to vote your proxy. Ancora Alternatives LLC (together with its affiliates, “Ancora”) is not asking for your proxy card and will not accept proxy cards if sent. The cost of this filing is being borne entirely by Ancora.

PLEASE NOTE: Ancora is not asking for your proxy card and cannot accept your proxy card. Please DO NOT send us your proxy card.

(Written material follows on next page)

 

 

Ancora Releases Presentation Regarding its Strong Opposition to the Currently Proposed WBD-Netflix Merger

 

Contends the Netflix Proposal Includes Inferior and Uncertain Cash Consideration, the Likely Debt-Laden Discovery Global Spinoff and a “Hail Mary” Path to Regulatory Approval

 

Details the Risks to Creative Production, Jobs and the Future of Human Talent in the Film and TV Industries Under a Seemingly Monopolistic WBD-Netflix Behemoth

 

Makes Clear the Paramount Offer Includes Significantly More Cash, the Backing of the Proven Ellison Trust and a Viable Path to Regulatory Approval Thanks to Modest Size and Studio Legacy

 

Urges the WBD Board to Determine that Paramount’s Revised Offer Could Reasonably Be Expected to Result in a “Superior Proposal” and Engage with Paramount to Secure a Value-Maximizing Outcome for All Shareholders

 

Visit www.MaximizeWBDValue.com to Download the Presentation

 

CLEVELAND--Ancora Holdings Group, LLC (collectively with its affiliates, “Ancora” or “we”), a nearly $11 billion firm with an approximately $200 million economic interest in Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) (“WBD”), today released an extensive presentation regarding its strong opposition to the currently proposed merger involving WBD and Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) (“Netflix”). Ancora's presentation can be downloaded at: www.MaximizeWBDValue.com.

 

The Netflix Deal is Flawed, Inferior and High Risk The Paramount Proposal Includes Certainty and Can Be Increased There is a Clear Path for WBD’s Board to Re-engage and Secure an Even Higher Offer

·

WBD’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) chose a $27.75 cash and spin-co stock offer over a $30 cash offer from a bona fide studio.

·

In contrast to Netflix’s highly questionable offer and the Discovery Global spinoff, Paramount Skydance Corporation (“Paramount”) is proposing to give shareholders real financial certainty with $30 per share in cash.

·

Paramount has opened the door to renewed engagement and negotiations with WBD by submitting an updated proposal that addresses the various inferiority claims made by WBD and provides additional certainty.

 

 

·

WBD is asking shareholders to vote for an uncertain final cash consideration based on an unknown debt allocation and an unknown equity value of the Discovery Global spinoff.1

·

Paramount’s current offer – and any future modified proposal – has the credible backing of the Ellison Trust and has a viable path to regulatory approval based on public reports and analyses of policymaker feedback.2

·

WBD’s Board should determine that Paramount’s amended offer could reasonably be expected to result in a “Superior Proposal,” which would enable WBD and Paramount to re-engage and revive a process to determine the highest bidder and maximize shareholder value.

·

Initial reactions from U.S. and European policymakers cite extreme concern over the proposed Netflix deal’s antitrust issues, with the U.S. Department of Justice already indicating it is examining the potential adverse impacts of Netflix acquiring WBD.3

·

Paramount has indicated its willingness to improve its proposal – stating that its offer was not “best and final” – demonstrating that there is a value-maximizing path forward.4 Paramount even enhanced its offer with a $0.25 per share "ticking fee," demonstrating its confidence and commitment to seeing the deal through.5

·

If the WBD Board refuses to re-engage with Paramount in pursuit of a value-maximizing outcome, Ancora will vote “NO” on the inferior Netflix deal and seek to hold the WBD Board accountable at the 2026 Annual Meeting.

  

***As a reminder, Ancora's presentation can be downloaded at: www.MaximizeWBDValue.com***

 

About Ancora

 

Founded in 2003, Ancora Holdings Group, LLC offers integrated investment advisory, wealth management, retirement plan services and insurance solutions to individuals and institutions across the United States. The firm is a long-term supporter of union labor and has a history of working with union groups and public pension plans to deliver long-term value. Ancora’s comprehensive service offering is complemented by a dedicated team that has the breadth of expertise and operational structure of a global institution, with the responsiveness and flexibility of a boutique firm. Ancora Alternatives is the alternative asset management division of Ancora Holdings Group, investing across three primary strategies: activism, multi-strategy and commodities. For more information about Ancora Alternatives, please visit www.ancoraalts.com.

 

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OF AUTHORITY TO VOTE YOUR PROXY. DO NOT SEND US YOUR PROXY CARD. ANCORA IS NOT ASKING FOR YOUR PROXY CARD AND WILL NOT ACCEPT PROXY CARDS IF SENT. ANCORA IS NOT ABLE TO VOTE YOUR PROXY, NOR DOES THIS COMMUNICATION CONTEMPLATE SUCH AN EVENT.

 

Contacts

rjerpbak@ancora.net

 


1 As shown in the presentation, $27.75 is the maximum cash consideration if everything works out optimally. Based on WBD’s preliminary proxy statement dated Feb. 9, 2026, the cash WBD shareholders may ultimately receive from the Netflix transaction could be as low as $21.23.

2 The Ellison Trust has a demonstrated record of funding large-scale deals and has never been in default on any of its prior financial obligations and/or guarantees – reinforcing the credibility and executability of Paramount’s fully backstopped equity commitment. The Trust holds approximately 1.16 billion shares of Oracle common stock, according to Larry Ellison’s Form-4 filing dated Jul. 17, 2025, valued at over $250 billion as of early 2026.

3 The Wall Street Journal article dated Feb. 6, 2026.

4 Paramount shareholder letter dated Dec. 10, 2025.

5 Paramount press release dated Feb. 10, 2026.

FAQ

What is Ancora Alternatives asking Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shareholders to do?

Ancora is urging WBD shareholders to oppose the proposed Netflix transaction and support renewed engagement with Paramount Skydance. It says the Netflix deal is economically inferior and riskier, and states it will vote “NO” and may seek to hold the Board accountable at the 2026 annual meeting.

How does Ancora compare the Netflix deal value to the Paramount offer for WBD?

Ancora says the Netflix deal offers at most $27.75 per share in cash, potentially as low as $21.23, plus spin‑off equity. It contrasts this with Paramount Skydance’s proposal of $30 per share in cash, which it argues provides greater financial certainty and superior headline value.

Why does Ancora believe the Paramount proposal for WBD offers more certainty?

Ancora highlights Paramount’s all‑cash $30 per‑share proposal and notes it is backed by the Ellison Trust with a fully backstopped equity commitment. It also cites Paramount’s statement that its offer is not “best and final” and includes a $0.25 per‑share ticking fee to reinforce commitment.

What regulatory concerns does Ancora raise about the Netflix–WBD transaction?

Ancora points to initial reactions from U.S. and European policymakers expressing antitrust concerns about Netflix acquiring WBD. It references a Wall Street Journal report that the U.S. Department of Justice is examining potential adverse impacts, suggesting a more uncertain regulatory path for the Netflix deal.

How does Ancora describe the Ellison Trust’s role in funding the Paramount proposal?

Ancora says the Ellison Trust has a record of funding large deals and has never defaulted on obligations or guarantees. It notes the Trust holds about 1.16 billion Oracle shares, valued at over $250 billion in early 2026, supporting the credibility of Paramount’s funding.

Is Ancora soliciting proxy votes from Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders?

No. Ancora explicitly states this communication is not a solicitation of authority to vote proxies. It is not asking for proxy cards, will not accept any that are sent, and affirms it is not able to vote proxies for WBD shareholders under this notice.
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