AT&T to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery in $43B deal

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - US telecommunication company AT&T announced on Monday it has agreed to merge its entertainment firm WarnerMedia with mass media television company Discovery, Inc. in a $43 billion worth deal.

AT&T would receive cash, debt securities, and WarnerMedia’s retention of certain debt. While its shareholders would receive stock representing 71% of the new company, Discovery shareholders would own 29% of the new company, according to a AT&T statement.

The deal aims to bring together TV series and movie libraries in the media business, and boost the companies' holding in streaming services, it added.

Streaming has become a competitive industry, especially during lockdowns of the coronavirus pandemic, with firms such as Netflix and Disney.

AT&T said it also wants to improve its capital structure after the deal is closed in the 5G and fiber broadband areas in the country.

"This agreement unites two entertainment leaders with complementary content strengths ... focused on investing in 5G and fiber to meet substantial, long-term demand for connectivity," AT&T CEO John Stankey said in the statement.

Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav, who will lead the new company, said consumers will have "more diverse choices" and shareholders will see "a strong balance sheet that is better positioned to compete with the world’s largest streamers."

AT&T stock price was up around 5% in pre-market trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange, while Discovery shares were as high as 15%.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​