06:48 AM EDT, 07/18/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Warner Bros. Discovery ( WBD ) is considering splitting its digital streaming and studio businesses from its television networks to boost its declining share price, the Financial Times reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The media giant is weighing several strategic options, including selling some assets or creating a new company for its Warner Bros movie studio and Max streaming service, unburdened by most of its $39 billion net debt, the report said.

Warner Bros has not yet hired an investment bank but the company has discussed the best interests of shareholders with advisers and has informally approached advisers from competing media groups to gauge interest in mergers and acquisitions involving some of its assets, the report said.

Warner Bros could still decide to continue operating without changing its structure but a "break-up appears to be the strongest option", the report quoted the sources as saying.

Warner Bros. Discovery ( WBD ) did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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