Mega Deals Propel $144B Media M&A in 2025: Netflix, JioHotstar Lead Strategic Reshaping

• 2025 saw a sharp rebound in global M&A, reaching $4.8 trillion, with India's deal value exceeding $70 billion across 650 transactions, driven by strategic intent.
• Media and entertainment led with $144 billion in M&A, fueled by pressures like slowing advertising and rising content costs, pushing for consolidation.
• Netflix's proposed $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's studios and streaming assets (HBO, DC Studios) was the year's most significant deal.
• In India, the Viacom18 and Disney Star merger created JioHotstar, now the world's second-largest streaming service with 300 million subscribers, valued at $8.5 billion.
• Other major deals included Omnicom Group's $13.25 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group, Electronic Arts' $55 billion acquisition, and Disney's $1 billion investment in OpenAI.

Why It Matters: Despite uncertainty, 2025's M&A, especially in media, focused on strategic consolidation for future growth.