It looks like Project Rise Partners (PRP) missed the memo: Paramount Global isn’t in the market for new suitors. Despite a flashy, last-minute $13.5 billion counteroffer, Paramount has made it crystal clear that its dance with Skydance Media is set in stone.
In a strongly worded statement, Paramount’s special committee slammed the door on PRP’s revised bid, stating, “There will not be any engagement with PRP in contravention of [our] agreement with Skydance Media.” Translation: PRP, you’re too late, and we’re moving on.
A (Very) Late Arrival
PRP’s counteroffer, which boasted a $19-per-share payout for Class B shareholders and promised $2 billion to restructure debt, might have looked tempting on paper. But timing is everything in M&A, and PRP’s clock ran out months ago. Paramount’s go-shop window—45 days for exploring competing offers—closed back in August. And PRP, notably absent during both that period and the preceding seven-month sale process, is now crying foul.
Paramount, however, isn’t buying the sob story. According to its statement, the Skydance deal “enabled the Special Committee to pursue a superior proposal,” and PRP simply didn’t show up when it mattered. Why the sudden interest now? That’s anyone’s guess.
Skydance or Bust
Paramount’s $8 billion deal with Skydance Media is moving full steam ahead. The two-step merger includes Skydance acquiring National Amusements Inc. (the holding company controlling Paramount’s voting stock) and then formally merging with Paramount itself. Shareholders and critics have raised eyebrows over the valuation—Skydance reportedly fetched a jaw-dropping 200x its trailing EBITDA—but Paramount seems unshaken.
Sure, PRP claims its offer is superior. They’ve even roped in some big names, including mysterious investors allegedly on par with Larry Ellison. But unless the SEC or regulators step in, this one’s over. Paramount’s agreement with Skydance is locked tighter than a Netflix password-sharing policy.
The Bigger Picture
PRP’s gripes about Paramount’s board decisions—like excluding a “fiduciary out” clause to accept better bids—may have some merit. But at this point, it’s all noise. Paramount’s commitment to Skydance signals a bigger shift in the industry: consolidation is the name of the game, and legacy players are betting on partnerships to keep up with streaming juggernauts.
So, what’s the takeaway? Timing is everything, deals are messy, and Paramount clearly isn’t interested in a second round of negotiations. As for PRP, maybe next time they’ll learn that showing up late to the party won’t get them past the velvet rope.
