Wake Up to Money Going hostile
Dec 9, 2025
Matt Kennedy, founder of the natural deodorant brand Fussy, shares insights on the cultural clashes during big media mergers and how startups can learn from these experiences. Louise Dudley, a global equities portfolio manager, discusses the financial implications of streaming deals and how they impact investor sentiment. Meanwhile, Blair Westlake, a senior media executive, emphasizes Netflix's innovative edge while questioning the integration ability of competitors like Paramount. The conversation dives into the complexities of corporate consolidation in the entertainment industry.
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Hostile Bidding Escalates The Streaming Wars
- Paramount Skydance launched a hostile $108bn bid to hijack Netflix's Warner Brothers takeover.
- The move transforms the streaming battle into a multi-player corporate and regulatory fight.
Deals Depend On Future Revenues And Leverage
- Investors judge deals by future revenue potential and the buyer's debt levels.
- Louise Dudley notes deep pockets matter, but debt-to-equity and conservative leverage remain critical.
Rail Reform Aims To Reunify Fragmented Networks
- The Railway Bill aims to reunify a fragmented rail system under Great British Railways.
- Anna-Jane Hunter says reunification should speed decisions and improve service integration.
