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Berlusconi Backs Paramount-Skydance in Warner Bros. Acquisition Battle
MFE CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi backs Paramount Skydance’s $108B hostile bid for Warner Bros Discovery, citing increased competition vs Netflix.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-11
Berlusconi Backs Paramount-Skydance in Warner Bros. Acquisition Battle

Pier Silvio Berlusconi, CEO of European broadcaster MFE-MediaForEurope, voiced his preference for Paramount Skydance rather than Netflix as a potential buyer for Warner Bros Discovery, saying the move would bolster competition in the streaming sector.

Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery, challenging Netflix’s rival offer and igniting a global media showdown. Berlusconi argued that Paramount’s entry would create a fourth major streaming competitor alongside Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, injecting more competition into the industry.

European Broadcasting Under Pressure

The rising dominance of international streaming platforms is impacting Europe’s traditional broadcasters, draining both viewership and advertising revenue. MFE, controlled by the Berlusconi family, has pursued a consolidation strategy to counter this trend and strengthen Europe’s advertising-funded television sector.

In recent months, MFE secured control of German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 through a 1.4 billion euro bid and acquired a stake in Portuguese media firm Impresa. These moves are part of MFE’s broader plan to build a European media champion capable of competing with global streaming giants.

Financial Outlook and Strategy

Berlusconi, the eldest son of the late Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, noted that the final quarter’s advertising climate in Italy, Spain, and Germany is challenging, making forecasts difficult. Despite this, he expects to post an annual profit and maintain dividend distributions in line with the previous year.

The CEO emphasized MFE’s focus on turning around ProSiebenSat.1 with a new business plan emphasizing cost reductions without layoffs. On future acquisitions in France and the UK, Berlusconi noted that while both markets align with MFE’s strategy, the company plans to advance cautiously after significant expansions this year.

Implications for Global Streaming

Berlusconi’s support for Paramount Skydance highlights the ongoing battle for control of Warner Bros Discovery and underscores the competitive tensions reshaping the global entertainment industry. As international streaming platforms continue to grow, European broadcasters are increasingly seeking consolidation and strategic partnerships to protect their market share and revenue streams.
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Netflix

WarnerBrosDiscovery

MFE

ParamountSkydance
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