WBD Schedules April 23 Shareholder Vote for Paramount Skydance Merger
Pending shareholder approval and the receipt of necessary regulatory clearances, the merger is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
RMN Stars Business Desk
New Delhi | March 30, 2026
NEW YORK – Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has officially scheduled a special meeting of shareholders for April 23, 2026, to vote on its proposed merger with Paramount Skydance Corporation. The meeting, announced on Thursday, represents a significant step toward a deal that the WBD Board of Directors has unanimously recommended for approval.
Financial Terms and Shareholder Value
Under the agreement, WBD shareholders are expected to receive $31.00 per share in cash. This offer provides a 147% premium over the company’s unaffected stock price of $12.54 per share recorded on September 10, 2025.
To protect investors against potential closing delays, the deal includes a “ticking fee”. If the transaction is not finalized by September 30, 2026, shareholders will be entitled to an additional $0.25 per share for each quarter that passes until the merger is completed.
Strategic Vision and Leadership
WBD leadership has described the merger as a strategic move designed to solidify the company’s position within a rapidly changing media landscape. Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the WBD Board, stated the transaction aims to maximize the value of iconic assets while providing financial certainty to shareholders.
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David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, characterized the deal as the outcome of a “robust process” intended to unlock the value of a portfolio that includes major brands such as HBO, CNN, and Discovery.
Meeting Logistics and Timeline
The special shareholder meeting is set for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 23. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 20, 2026, are eligible to cast their votes.
Pending shareholder approval and the receipt of necessary regulatory clearances, the merger is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
Advisory Teams
A group of prominent firms is managing the multi-billion dollar transaction. Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan, and Evercore are acting as financial advisors to WBD. Legal counsel for the deal is being provided by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.
