KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
\Netflix is reportedly exploring a potential bid for Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming business, marking what could be one of the most significant media acquisitions in recent years, according to Reuters.
Netflix Evaluates Strategic Acquisition
Sources familiar with the matter said Netflix has retained investment bank Moelis & Co — the same adviser that guided Skydance Media’s successful acquisition of Paramount Global — to assess the potential offer.
The streaming giant has also been granted access to Warner Bros Discovery’s data room, allowing it to review the company’s financials in detail before making a formal bid.
Both Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery declined to comment on the development.
Potential Game-Changer for Netflix
Acquiring Warner Bros’ studio assets would give Netflix ownership of some of Hollywood’s most valuable franchises, including Harry Potter and DC Comics, along with HBO’s premium library.
Warner Bros Television also produces several Netflix hits such as You, Maid, and Running Point, suggesting strong operational synergies if a deal proceeds.
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos recently emphasized that while the company is typically “more builders than buyers,” it remains open to acquisitions that can strengthen its entertainment offerings and scale its streaming dominance.
However, Sarandos made clear Netflix has no interest in legacy cable networks such as CNN, TNT, Food Network, or Animal Planet, saying, “We have been very clear in the past that we have no interest in owning legacy media networks. There is no change there.”
Industry Context
Warner Bros Discovery announced last week that it is evaluating multiple unsolicited offers, including one from Paramount Skydance, to acquire all or parts of the company.
The board is considering whether to continue with its planned split — separating the Warner Bros film and TV studios, HBO, and the HBO Max streaming service — or pursue a sale of select assets.
Meanwhile, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh signaled his company is also reviewing media assets that could complement its existing portfolio, hinting at a broader wave of consolidation in the entertainment industry.
Investor Takeaway
If the deal moves forward, it could mark a transformational shift for Netflix — expanding its content library, boosting production capabilities, and solidifying its position against Disney and other major studios.
However, regulatory challenges and valuation hurdles could complicate negotiations, particularly given Warner Bros Discovery’s split strategy and Netflix’s historically cautious approach to large-scale acquisitions.
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