On February 17, 2026, Warner Bros. Discovery board of directors assessed Paramount Skydance’s proposal to acquire 100% of the company’s equity as being on terms far more favorable than Netflix’s existing offer. Netflix had previously agreed to a merger valued at $27.75 per share—$82.7 billion in total—targeting only the studio and streaming assets.
The Winning Offer
By contrast, Paramount Skydance presented a new proposal on February 14, 2026, offering $31 per share—$110.9 billion in total—for all assets, including broadcast networks such as CNN. Under Warner Bros. Discovery’s formal notice, Netflix was granted a four-day priority period to respond and negotiate; however, on February 26, 2026, Netflix confirmed that it would not submit a revised offer.
My Role in the Winning Bid for Team DAVID; I am happy to report my alliance with David Ellison has been VICTORIOUS for the Billion Dollar Cash Offer for Discovery Channel from Warner Brothers Board of Directors. David did not need me in this transaction. However I offered some strategic political guidance to him on the Political and Market Chessboard to dominate a weak Netflix strategy. Resulting in a obvious Victory for CEO David Ellison’s TEAM SKYDANCE PARAMOUNT!
The Key details of David’s Winning Bid forcing Netflix to backdown are as follows;
As of February 27, 2026, Paramount Skydance has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a massive $110 billion deal, creating a combined media giant. The agreement, which follows a long bidding war and Netflix’s withdrawal, brings together major film libraries, streaming services (Paramount+ and Max), and television networks. Variety +3
Key Details of the Acquisition (as of Feb 27, 2026):
Previous Negotiations have been ongoing and stalled at times. Warner Brothers has allowed Key Details to reveal they are on the seller side of the table and not in a positon to negotiate with a strong Buyer; TEAM DAVID ELLISON.
The current details are as follows of the Acquistion.
Deal Structure: Paramount will acquire WBD for $31.00 per share in a cash deal, with a $7 billion regulatory termination fee.
Financing: The Ellison Trust is providing $45.7 billion in equity, with an additional $57.5 billion debt commitment from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citi, and Apollo.
Impact: The merger consolidates two of Hollywood’s “Big Five” studios into one, significantly altering the landscape of entertainment, news, and streaming.
Regulatory Scrutiny: The deal is expected to face intense antitrust review, with the California Attorney General’s office signaling a potential challenge to block the merger. PR Newswire +3
The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
This is a ongoing situation and will see new developments and I will keep you the reader updated as the Story Evolves.
TEN FACTS THAT MAKE MR. LARRY FINK THE MOST POWERFUL MAN ON WALL STREET
Capitalized
Mr. Laurence D. Fink (Larry Fink) needs no introduction he is a Founder of BlackRock a Asset Management Company with over 10 Trillion of Assets under management and has been a leader in Investments and Technology space since Founding his company in 1988. Mr. Fink’s story should be defined by his exceptional resiliency. In the early 1980’s Mr. Fink was a M&A Investment Banker at First Boston. And quickly rose to be the top of the Bond M&A Leader space. Until a loss that would ultimately change his career’s trajectory.
It is no mystery Mr. Fink and Blackstone’s Founder Mr. Stephen Schwarzman were partners during the late 1980’s and after a proposal was declined? Mr. Fink decided to sell his stake. Which led to Mr. Fink to start his own Asset Management firm. And ultimately this move led to BlackRock becoming THE Dominant name in the the Asset Management Space.
Entrepreneurs are Outcasts
Any Man of Good Courage like Mr. Fink knows you will encounter opposition to your mission. But you must over come the opposition. “With good courage.””Interestingly as a Entrepreneur like Mr. Fink? I too have had a professional brush ups with Blackstone’s Management. But all is forgiven, and I honestly do have nothing but the greatest respect for Blackstone’s leadership. Mr. Fink, Mr. Schwarzman and even Myself have all been treated as Outcasts in the Investment space. So I believe I am in good company as a fellow Entrepreneur. Smile.”
EXCEPTIONAL SUCCESS IN THE ASHES OF A 100 MILL FAILURE
In light of all the incredible success’s Mr. Larry Fink has had in becoming the most Powerful Man in Finance. It must be shared in order to build his investment success’s? He was subjected to torturous intractable failures and pain along the way.
It is said by some entrepreneurs our failures sometimes become “Badge’s of Honor Stories”. And great stories and legendary stories that circulate within the community.” Mr. Fink’s 1986 One Hundred Million Dollar trading loss has to be best described by me as a “Badge of Honor!” Not because his trading team lost 100 million. But because he did not allow this to define his future.
Even though Mr. Fink did experience a One Hundred Million Dollar Trading Failure that originated when his team was running the Bond Trading at the Investment Bank “First Boston” in the second financial quarter of 1986. Mr. Fink was not fired from First Boston Bank. But he was sidelined. This was not the end for Mr. Fink. He would move on to demonstrate exceptional resiliency moving forward. He has shown us all defeat is not the end. He quietly left First Boston Investment Bank at the age of 36. And moved on from this to Become one of the Greatest of All Time within Asset Management.
Risk is everywhere in Business
After Mr. Fink’s team failure at First Boston, suddenly other Bond Traders and other associates within the Banking space did not want to be associated with him. He was BlackBalled. Just like I have experienced in my quest as a Software M&A Investment Entrepreneur. People will throw mud at you, the groupie cowards quietly snicker and talk behind your back, sabotage you, spreading untrue rumors, and even sabotaging your prospects. All the while avoiding you.
But on any day? These same subversive types will never be able to handle open physical combat with real bone crushing consequences, or in general? Perform at your level. Mr. Fink as a fellow entrepreneur knows how to let your Investment Performance do the talking for you. We learn that the under-performers who sabotage others? They hide. But it’s not the end. Keep moving forward. Punish them with your performance. Risk will always be present.
Mr. Fink has been there done that and now? So have I! “If your not failing and fighting your way forward? Your Not Learning.” This brings me to this Posts purpose.
It’s important to point out even though Mr. Larry Fink experienced a failure and decided to leave his Investment Bank at First Boston. It was clear no one was going to give Mr. Fink access to capital to manage. Until everything changed! Mr. Fink quietly met the Legendary Blackstone Founder Mr. Stephen Schwarzman and then his professional life changed. Access to capital is everything.
Ten Facts about Mr. Larry Fink that make him Formidable
If your not “HARDCORE” about your business and life’s mission? Your not defining your legacy.
1988 Mr. Larry Fink Establishes his Investment Fund which becomes known as BlackRock
1989 Mr. Larry Fink takes BLACKROCK Public. When BlackRock goes public in 1989 it is the Fifth largest Asset Manager listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Mr. Fink serves as interim Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the World Economic Forum and Co-Chair of NYU Langone Medical Center.
Mr. Fink is a current member of the board of the Museum of Modern Art and serves on the Advisory Board of the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in Beijing
Mr. Fink’s Duty To Preserving the Liberal Arts
On a side note: “I love that Mr. Fink loves Art like myself and is PURPLE in his political beliefs”. And this is really refreshing Mr. Fink is a staunch advocate and invests in Philanthropy and keeping the Liberal Arts Scene alive. Thank you Mr. Fink! I would like to introduce you to someone who was very kind to me when I was first starting out and who recently passed on and was a fellow Investment Professional from Kansas City. “Mr. G. Kenneth Baum.” Mr. Baum facilitated H&R Bloc Initial Public Offering during his Investment Career. Mr. Baums Son Jonathan Baum, lovely Wife Anna Baum and their entire lovely family in Kansas City would be happy to see I am keeping Mr. G. Kenneth Baums legacy alive in this post by sharing The Baum Family has contributed substantially to our local Art’s scene and the Nelson Museum of Art in Kansas City. It makes me sad I am not in Kansas City currently. However I am there in Spirit. It’s home.
If you did not know? Mr. Larry Fink is a leader on the Executive Committee of the Partnership for New York City.
Mr. Fink’s Education Success earned him an MBA from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1976 and a BA from UCLA in 1974.
Mr. Larry Fink is the Chairman and CEO at BlackRock: As the firm’s leader, he is responsible for senior leadership, succession planning, and client relationships
Global influence: Fink sits on the board of the World Economic Forum and is a highly influential figure in global finance, with his letters to investors often setting the agenda for major market trends and corporate social responsibility.
Mr. Larry Fink is a leader and in Good Standing as a Member of Kappa Beta Phi Fraternity
Mr. Larry Fink is a Global Leader in Finance and AI Global Influence. His professional Opinion and Influence reach all the way to the Oval Office of the United States of America, The Senate on Capitol Hill, and to Political Leaders across the globe. A Professional Man To Take Serious. Honor.
Capital, Risk, Initial Public Offering
Thank you for reading my post on the Ten Facts about BlackRocks Founder Mr. Laurence D. Fink, Mr. Larry Fink. I would like to end this post with a quote that details Mr. Finks Character and Commitment to helping his guys who are Investment Fund Managers. In a recent article Mr. Fink was heard Praising the alway’s respectable and Dominant Bond Market Analysis Voice his Chief Investment Officer Mr. Rick Reider.
In a 2018 interview, Fink expressed his admiration for Rieder’s character and passion, particularly his “headfirst approach to everything he does”.
“More than 50 percent of what attracted me to Rick in having him come to BlackRock was his personal being and his character”.
In a 2013 article, Fink praised Rieder’s work, which helped to turn around BlackRock’s active fixed-income business after years of underperformance and redemptions.
Fink referenced a “great statistic that my good friend, Rick Rieder, uses all the time” in a 2024 CNBC interview.
As a Entrepreneur I do believe soon, I too will be in a position to have serious conversations with Investment Professionals about raising my own Company from the ground up. Like Mr. Fink and Mr. Reider’s Fund has done. And I do appreciate my own moves and investment performance will dictate that opportunity.
All things Considered?
Mr. Fink has previously stated on CNBC “IPO’s are good thing!” CNBC Appearnce . Hopefully soon? Me and a Group of Investment Professionals, We can make that reality. And just like taking a page from Mr. Finks Book? I too won’t allow the failures and painful defeats I have sustained from keeping me from going public like Mr. Larry Fink has also done. Making me another Entrepreneur outcast that has reached serious success with serious minded Investment Professionals.
Even though I have also sustained embarrassing failures like Mr. Fink and other professsionals? I too won’t allow these failures to decide my future success. Keeping my integrity, and mission simple and keep moving forward. Like Mr. Larry Fink has done. Thanks for reading. And Thank You Mr. Fink and Mr. Rieder for the content. Jameson “Doc” Sharp.
Yesterday an Investment Banker from JP Morgan Wall Street in New York City asked me, If I knew who was the top Investment Banks in the Kansas City area? I had to stop myself and ask the same question. The simple truth is? I did not know. So I figured it would be good idea to research the question and find out. Thinking about this in depth? I honestly should know a few of these professionals in case I am ever looking for a specific opportunity, Deal Flow, or advisory referrals. So I started calling around about who’s who? And these are the recommendations that made sense.
Interestingly if I was in New York City we would normally be sharing the large Wall Street Investment Banks as my choices. I have several relationships with many of these Investment Bankers but none are in Kansas City. Normally I would list the top Investment Banks for this Article. Banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America Securities, Morgan Stanley and many more. However since I am not in New York City I must look at the smaller Investment Banks in Kansas City. These are going to be my short list of choices for the short term. Or at least until I am able to meet more of our local Investment Banking Professionals in Kansas City.
Its true the Kansas City area only has a few known local Investment Banks within our community. The first Investment Bank I would like to recommend is our most well known. Interestingly, I have had the privilege of meeting it’s Founder many years ago. It’s founder Mr. G. Kenneth Baum and His family are known supporters of our gorgeous Gallery Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. And the families philanthropy work is known and generous as well. Mr. Baum’s Son is now in Command of the Family Firm and has been leading the firm to a exciting future.
George. K. Baum & Co.
Frontier Investment Bank
The second in line is Frontier Investment Bank and for all intensive purposes according to my Business Attorney this small boutique Bank is top notch and the list of Transactions completed long. When experience, leadership, and market research count? Im very positive that if you need your business sold at fair and favorable terms. This is most likely a Investment Bank that can do that for you and help with a long list of Advisory services. I will be reaching out to ask the Lead Sr. Executive and Attorney Mr. Patrick J. Trysla, “How he has built his remarkable team.”
Country Club Finance | CC Capital Advisors
Several weeks ago I opened my Email and found typed out a personal Invitation to attend Country Club Banks CC Capital Advisors State of the M&A market in Kansas City. I sincerely did not know what I was about to find. But when I arrived I met someone who honestly spoke my Language “FINANCE”. And this alone made me think? Maybe this is going to be very interesting. See here’s the thing. For about 2 and 1/2 years I have been basically alone here in Kansas City as a Entrepreneur with a incredibly unlikely story.
Most local Investment Bankers and Finance professionals have zero clue I really am trying my best to learn all about Finance. And most importantly be of service and be valuable for the Finance business community in Kansas City. But the reality is this. I have not been able to capture the interest of this very exclusive community until now.
Let’s finish with this CC Capital Advisors. I walked in Country Club Bank and dropped my Coat off for this evening reception and events. Immediately I spotted a few older Gentleman who looked like they were the Professionals who knew what they were doing. I immediately could tell they have been to war and won within the Finance community. I was impressed to be able to meet CC Capitals Team. First off to shake my hand was the warm astute Mr. Christianberry who greeted me casually, and next to him was fellow MD’s Mr. Conway and Mr. Hense Jr. who also welcomed me. First things first. I could honestly tell these fella’s are very experienced. It was clear they were literally professionals I should strive to be like. They welcomed be warmly and we talked shop and the current M&A market for about 10 minutes.
One thing that sincerely I should probably share? I am genuinely thankful for the Privilege of meeting these Managing Directors of CC Capital Advisors. I hope one day soon to spend some more time with these fellas. They truly impressed me. The presentation CC Capital Advisors was spearheaded by Stephanie and Mr. Conway. The market of M&A in the Kansas City area, basically confirmed what I have been hearing and seeing from New York Investment Bankers. When the entire Presentation was finished? I sincerely was blown away at the facts and market information I had just reviewed. It was exactly what I had been seeing from my vantage point across the country. These two did a fantastic job. I was again very Impressed.
Please take the time and if your in this small community or interested? I would like to suggest you read the State of M&A in Kansas City provided and written by CC Capital Advisors. They honestly have done a outstanding Job making the information easy to follow. I wish others in other Markets like the South West would be this easy. Here is the link to the Report. PUBLICATION M&A KANSAS CITY
In conclusion I would like to include CC Capital Advisors on this short list of Investment Bankers in Kansas City I would recommend. Its a very small community. And it’s been my experience? If you treat others well? They will be helpful to you as entrepreneur. And if your Investment Bank and Advisory Team have my tough stamp of approval? You must be doing something right.
This list is obviously going to be very short. However within a month or just inside a few weeks? I will be able to expand this short List. Giving a more detailed look at each Investment Bank, listing more Banks that have trust in this space, and what makes them special? As with anything. Highly specialized industry leaders, professionals, financial services and capabilities are the deciding factors who becomes the most influential and trusted Organization within any industry. Please Stay tuned as I meet these professionals and begin listing what makes their firms the choice for you.
What is Kansas City's Best Investment Bank?
According to Investment Group Partner and Notable Kansas City Entrepreneur Kc’s Best Investment Bank is G.K Baum & Co. Sharp chose this on the merits in light of him personally knowing and trusted this Banks Founder. Legendary Financier George Kenneth Baum.
Thank you for reading, and I just need to share this thought. This list will not include local Business Brokers. This listing will be my personal picks of who I trust as a Partner. Since I am on a World Class team of Investment Professionals. Stay tuned. JS.
PR Newswire +3
