Paramount Global and Skydance Media Agree to Merge, Shaping the Future of Entertainment

Paramount Global and Skydance Media announce merger deal

In a surprising turn of events, Paramount Global parent National Amusements and Skydance Media have reached an agreement to merge, just weeks after their initial deal talks fell through. The merger will bring together Paramount, a media giant that owns Paramount Pictures, CBS, and Paramount+, with Skydance, an entertainment business founded by David Ellison.

Under the terms of the deal, Skydance will acquire National Amusements for $2.4 billion, giving it control of 77% of Paramount’s voting shares. Shareholders with non-voting stock will receive $15 per share or one share of non-voting stock in the new company. Additionally, Class A shareholders will receive $23 per share or the right to get 1.5333 non-voting shares in the merged company.

The merger with Skydance gives other potential bidders for Paramount 45 days to submit competing offers, ensuring that shareholders have the opportunity to maximize their stake in the media company. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

The union of Paramount, a Hollywood institution with a rich history dating back to 1912, and Skydance, a newer player in the entertainment industry known for hits like “Top Gun: Maverick,” represents a blending of old and new Hollywood. David Ellison will serve as chairman and CEO of Paramount, with industry veteran Jeff Shell as president.

For Shari Redstone, the deal marks the end of her family’s long tenure at Paramount, which was built by her late father, Sumner Redstone. Redstone expressed confidence in the future of Paramount under Skydance’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of content in an ever-changing industry landscape.

The sale of Paramount comes amidst a wave of consolidation in the media space, as companies seek to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded market. The merger with Skydance is expected to bring about significant cost savings and unlock opportunities for content production and distribution.

Overall, the Paramount-Skydance merger represents a significant shift in the entertainment industry and sets the stage for a new chapter in the legacy of these two influential companies.