WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Jared Kushner’s financing role in Paramount’s $108 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery injects Trump-family interests into one of the biggest media battles in years, raising concerns over whether the president’s influence could tip the scales.
Paramount Skydance on Monday launched a hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery in a last-ditch effort to outbid Netflix and create a media powerhouse.
Paramount said its offer includes financing from Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners, along with financing from the Saudi and Qatari sovereign wealth funds and L’imad Holding Co, owned by Abu Dhabi.
Trump told reporters on Monday that he has not spoken with Kushner about Warner Bros Discovery, adding that neither Netflix nor Paramount “are friends of mine.” A day earlier, Trump said he would be involved in a decision on Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros studios and streaming assets.
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