Netflix to Offer Cheaper UK Bundles Amid Warner Bros. Takeover Battle

Netflix plans to propose bundled streaming at reduced costs for UK viewers as it defends its $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery against regulatory scrutiny and a rival $108 billion bid from Paramount Global. The company will argue to the UK Competition and Markets Authority that combining Netflix with HBO Max, launching in the UK on March 1 at £4.99/month, will lower overall viewing expenses compared to subscribing separately. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has stated bundling would offer a "meaningful discount," though pricing details remain confidential. Warner Bros. Discovery intends to maintain both brands independently. Regulatory reviews are ongoing in the US and UK, with Netflix emphasizing consumer benefits amid concerns over market concentration. Subscription prices for ad-free Netflix have risen 60% since 2019, from £7.99 to £12.99.