Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners Withdraws $200 Million from Paramount Skydance's Hostile Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Jared Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners, has formally withdrawn from the hostile takeover battle for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (**WBD**), dealing a financial and political setback to the suitor, Paramount Skydance Corp. The firm’s exit, which occurred on Tuesday, included the removal of a $200 million commitment that had been pitched toward Paramount’s offer.

The withdrawal intensifies the uncertainty surrounding the media giant’s future, particularly as WBD management continues to actively campaign against the acquisition. The company is urging its investors to reject the proposal, publicly labeling the bid put forth by Paramount Skydance Corp. as "inferior."

Financial and Political Implications

Affinity Partners, founded by President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, had emerged as a participant in the takeover process. Although the $200 million contribution was described by sources as a minor part of the overall offer, its removal represents a significant blow to the momentum of the bid. The exit is specifically characterized as a "political and financial blow" to Paramount Skydance Corp.

The market reacted negatively to the news, reflecting the increased likelihood that WBD will lose Paramount as a potential suitor. On the day the news broke, shares of Warner Bros. Discovery were down 1.3%.

WBD Management Rejects Offer

The decision by Affinity Partners to pull out aligns with the strong resistance from Warner Bros. Discovery’s board. WBD has consistently urged its investors to reject the bid, maintaining that the offer from Paramount Skydance Corp. does not adequately value the company or serve shareholder interests. The withdrawal of a key financial participant like Affinity Partners further validates WBD’s position that the bid is weakening and likely to fail.