David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, will receive at least $550 million in Paramount’s eventual acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
According to Variety, WBD has publicized how much each of the company’s executive officers will take home from Paramount’s $110 billion bid for WBD.
A WBD filing with the SEC shows that Zaslav will collect $34.2 million in cash severance; $517.2 million in equity in the combined company, and $44,195 in continued health coverage reimbursement benefits.
There is also an opportunity for him to secure additional tax reimbursements, estimated at $335.4 million. However, per IRS rules, Zaslav would receive that amount only if the deal had closed on March 11. If the deal closes in 2027, he could very well gain no added tax reimbursement.
Other WBD execs who are set to receive millions include J.B. Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games, who will collect $142 million; Bruce Campbell, chief revenue and strategy officer, will get $121.5 million; CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will receive $120 million; and Gerhard Zeiler, president of international, will pocket $82.6 million.
The sale process began in December, when Paramount pursued an acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Netflix quickly threw its hat into the ring. At first, Warner’s board favored Netflix’s structure over Paramount’s, but kept negotiating while Paramount increased its bid.
When Paramount presented a higher offer for WBD, Netflix refused to raise its bid and bowed out.
