Will Netflix and HBO Max merge?
It's still unclear, as I understand it. HBO has a strong brand and the content they produce is very highly regarded. So it provides value for Netflix, of course, and their subscribers.
What does the Swedish market look like?
Netflix is the largest in all Nordic markets. They have the most subscribers and they are also among the services that are watched the most. HBO Max shares second place with Disney+ and Viaplay. So those are the two largest services in the Nordics. If they merge, it will obviously have major consequences for consumers.
Netflix has been reluctant to release its films in theaters. Does this mean that Warner films will no longer be released in theaters?
It's hard to see them completely overriding Warner's strategies around the valuable theatrical window. Not only because people still want to pay for it, but it's also an important marketing channel for the titles. But that's speculation.
Mikael Forsell/TT
Facts: Netflix and Warner Bros Discovery
TT
Netflix is buying large parts of Warner Bros Discovery in a deal worth $82.7 billion, equivalent to SEK 777 billion.
With the deal, Netflix takes over the studio behind the films featuring Harry Potter, Batman and the other characters in the DC Universe, the "Lord of the Rings" films, and a long list of classics.
They are also taking over HBO Max, with titles like "Game of Thrones", "Succession", "The Sopranos" and "The White Lotus".
Netflix has 301 million users worldwide. In comparison, HBO Max reaches 122 million subscribers and launches later this year in large parts of Europe where the service was not previously available.
