Netflix: “We’re Not Interested In Acquiring Linear Assets”

Netflix is often talked about a potential buyer for big Hollywood studios as the latest set of M&A rumors swirl but the streamer has now laid out its position in no uncertain terms.

“We’re not interested in acquiring linear assets,” the company said in its fourth-quarter financials.

The streamer also gave its perspective on the M&A talk that has dominated Hollywood over the last few months. Essentially, it doesn’t believe that more consolidation will “change the competitive environment” given what has come before.

“As our competitors adjust to these changes, it’s logical to expect further consolidation, particularly among companies with large and declining linear networks. We’re not interested in acquiring linear assets. Nor do we believe that further M&A among traditional entertainment companies will materially change the competitive environment given all the consolidation that has already happened over the last decade (Viacom/CBS, AT&T/Time Warner, Disney/Fox, Time Warner/Discovery, etc.). But we expect our industry to remain highly competitive given: the franchise strength and programming expertise within traditional entertainment companies; ongoing heavy investment from large tech players like YouTube, Amazon and Apple; and broader competition for people’s time, including gaming and social media (TikTok, Instagram etc.),” it noted in its results.

“It’s why continuing to improve our entertainment offering is so important, and as many of our competitors cut back on their content spend, we continue to invest in our slate,” it added.