CEOs Share Top Deals of the Year for 2021
With the dust settled on 2024, it’s clear that this year was a bit out of the ordinary when it comes to deals in Hollywood. While it wasn’t a bad year by any means, it certainly wasn’t what we would call “normal.” As I spoke to top dealmakers in the industry to get their take on the standout moves of the year, one thing became clear: everyone had a different perspective.
Chris Spicer, the head of Akin Gump’s media and entertainment group, pointed out that the lack of major M&A deals can be attributed to a variety of factors like the slow recovery from strikes, higher leverage costs, and companies holding onto valuations from a different time. Despite this, Spicer’s group still managed to handle about $3.5 billion worth of deals in media, entertainment, and sports this year, showing a slight increase from 2023.
Today, let’s delve into four significant M&A deals and what they mean for the future. You may notice that Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount isn’t on the list. That’s because most people are just relieved that the iconic studio won’t be dismantled.
According to Chris Brearton, the former COO of MGM, the Paramount deal is akin to the magnitude of selling MGM to Amazon. And while there were plenty of rumored suitors for Paramount, many are happy to see the studio stand alone.
Legendary CEO Joshua Grode, Michael Sugar from Sugar23, Jonathan Miller from Integrated Media, Jon Liebman from Brillstein Entertainment, Chris Brearton from AGBO, Akin Gump’s Spicer, and other legal and agent experts are here to help us break down the impactful, the promising, and the risky—along with insights into Comcast’s SpinCo, Legendary’s latest moves, Disney’s ventures, and even Walmart’s strategic branding tactics.
So, buckle up for a deep dive into the deals that shaped 2024 and maybe even catch a glimpse of what’s in store for 2025. Stay tuned for more exclusive content coming your way!
