In today’s Digest we discuss Netflix pulling out of the bidding war for Warner Bros, Dentsu naming Takeshi Sano as global CEO, and HubSpot expanding its media reach with a Starter Story deal.

Paramount to take over Warner Bros Discovery as Netflix drops bid

Netflix has withdrawn from its pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery, leaving Paramount Skydance poised to secure one of Hollywood’s most historic studios in a deal valued at roughly USD$111bn (£82.2bn). Warner Bros confirmed that Paramount’s revised proposal was superior to Netflix’s offer, which the streaming group declined to increase, arguing the transaction no longer made financial sense at the higher price.

The outcome concludes months of intense bidding after Warner Bros put itself up for sale last year. In December, it had agreed to a takeover by Netflix covering certain assets in a deal worth about USD$82bn (£60.7bn) including debt. Paramount later tabled a rival bid that was initially rejected but returned with an improved offer, raising its price by USD$1 (£0.74) per share. 

If completed, the takeover would hand Paramount control of Warner Bros’ film studio and television networks, a move likely to reshape the global media landscape. 

Dentsu names Takeshi Sano global CEO

Dentsu has unveiled sweeping leadership and structural changes as it pivots away from plans to sell its international arm and instead embarks on a new phase of internal transformation. The group confirmed that Takeshi Sano will become President and Global Chief Executive from 27th March 2026, subject to shareholder approval, replacing Hiroshi Igarashi, who has led the company since 2022. The overhaul comes as Dentsu seeks to sharpen execution and accelerate change amid mounting competitive and economic pressures across the global marketing industry.

Sano is credited with steering the Japanese business, which accounts for roughly 40% of group net revenue and more than half of operating profit, to 11 consecutive quarters of growth. He also oversaw the expansion of the  Business Transformation segment and strengthened links between domestic and international operations. 

HubSpot expands media reach with Starter Story deal

HubSpot has acquired Starter Story as it steps up efforts to build a creator-led media engine around its CRM and marketing automation business. The deal, announced by HubSpot Media, will see founder Pat Walls, chief operating officer Sam Walls, and producer Gus Tiffer join the company’s in-house media division. The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed.

Its addition expands HubSpot’s growing media portfolio, which already includes The Hustle, My First Million, and Trends. By integrating Starter Story into HubSpot Media, the company aims to attract founders and growth leaders early in their business journeys, build brand trust through educational content and, ultimately, funnel audiences towards its marketing, sales, and CRM tools.