Apollo Global Management has put forward an $11 billion proposal to acquire Paramount Global’s studios, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Concurrently, Paramount Global is said to be considering another offer from Skydance Media and RedBird Capital Partners.
Key Points:
- The proposed deal by Apollo would entail Paramount Global separating its film and television studios, known for producing hits like “Mission: Impossible–Dead Reckoning” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” last year, from the rest of its operations.
- With Paramount Global’s market capitalization standing at $7.7 billion as of Tuesday, the $11 billion offer represents a substantial premium.
- The news of Apollo’s bid emerged approximately one week after Axios first disclosed the private equity firm’s interest in Paramount’s assets.
- Following the announcement of the proposed deal, Paramount’s shares surged by over 11%, closing at $12.51 on Wednesday.
Background:
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- While the Apollo deal reportedly focuses solely on Paramount Pictures, Paramount Global also encompasses CBS Entertainment Group and a portfolio of television channels, including MTV and Nickelodeon.
- Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global, has expressed interest in selling the entire company. Skydance Media, owned by David Ellison, has previously made an offer, with plans to collaborate with RedBird Capital for financing.
- Paramount CEO Bob Bakish had discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav regarding a potential merger, though talks have since stalled.
Valuation:
- Marc Rowan, CEO and co-founder of Apollo, is estimated to have a net worth of around $6.6 billion. Rowan, along with fellow billionaires Josh Harris and Leon Black, established the private equity firm in 1990, which now manages assets totaling approximately $600 billion.
