Market Maker

The $100bn Hostile Takeover: Netflix vs. Paramount

It’s the "final battle for the soul of Hollywood." In this breaking episode, we bring back Stephen Barnett to break down the Netflix vs. Paramount war for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Stephen breaks this deal down like a Hollywood movie script—literally. We cover the Backstory (Zaslav’s failure), the Cast of Characters (from "nepo-baby" David Ellison in his Ferrari to the "anti-hero" David Zaslav), and the Plot Twist where Paramount gets "ghosted" on a Thursday only to launch a hostile counter-attack. We also dive into the "Monopsony" risk that has writers terrified, the "Whirling Dervish" factor of a Trump presidency, and why this deal proves that if you aren't a $500bn tech giant, you're just prey. (00:00) Stephen Barnett Returns (01:59) Battle for the Keys to the Kingdom (04:09) Backstory: Why WBD Ripped 160% (06:12) "Anti-Hero" Zaslav & "Nepo Baby" Ellison (10:30) The Plot: "Begging" Texts & Being Ghosted (16:17) The Role of Bankers (18:47) "Black Box" Fear: Advertisers vs. Netflix (21:30) The Trump Factor in M&A (23:15) Monopoly vs. Monopsony (27:47) Conclusion: Why a Big Tech Win is Scary

Inside the Biggest IPO in 2025 & Amazon AI Chip Reveal

In this M&A edition of Market Maker, Anthony and Piers break down Medline’s potential $5 billion IPO, the biggest of the year, and what it signals for private equity exits and the 2026 deals landscape. They also explore Amazon’s bold entry into the AI chip race with Tranium 3, how it stacks up against Nvidia and Google, and what it means for cloud dominance. Plus, OpenAI hits the panic button as Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude rapidly gain ground. (00:00) Medline’s $5B IPO (08:52) ECM Process (12:45) Bank Rankings Shuffle (20:06) Amazon’s AI Chip (28:09) Cloud Wars Heat Up (32:04) OpenAI’s Code Red ***** Final chance to join our in-person Finance Bootcamp [https://amplifyme.com/amplifyme-finance-bootcamp-in-person] happening in London 15-19 December 2025. Use code BOOT500 at checkout to access a £500 discount as a loyal podcast fan!

Investing Shift: Big Tech Down, Pharma Up, Dollar Risks Ahead

Big tech is stumbling while pharma stocks surge, what does that mean for markets heading into 2026? In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack why Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon are dragging, while Eli Lilly and Merck lead a surprising rotation. They also explore shifting Fed rate cut expectations, conflicting US labor data, and what it all signals for the S&P 500’s next move. We also break down Deutsche Bank’s “triple whammy” dollar call, Trump’s Fed chair pick, and why a yen carry trade unwind could shake crypto markets. Plus, UK PMI surprises and pound strength, are brighter days ahead for the UK economy? Tune in for easy-to-follow macro insights this week! (00:00) Topics & Listener Shoutouts (02:51) Big Tech Wobble, Pharma Surge (09:16) Fed Cut Expectations & Labour Data (18:27) Trump’s Fed Pick & Market Reaction (24:23) Deutsche Bank US Dollar Call (30:07) Yen Carry Trade & Crypto Risk (36:01) UK Budget Bounce & PMI Surprise ***** Last chance to join our in-person Finance Bootcamp [https://amplifyme.com/amplifyme-finance-bootcamp-in-person] in London 15-19 December 2025. As part of our podcast community, you can use the code BOOT500 at checkout for a £500 discount.

Inside the Biggest M&A Deals You Need to Know (Warner Bros Discovery, GE Healthcare, Anglo American & KKR)

This week, we're diving into a flurry of major M&A activity from GE’s $2.3B healthcare tech acquisition to Violia’s $3B hazardous waste deal and a massive offshore wind farm stake sale by Denmark’s Ørsted. But the spotlight is on Warner Bros. Discovery, where a high-stakes bidding war is heating up. With Paramount, Netflix, and Comcast all circling, Anthony and Piers unpack why the media giant rejected multiple multi-billion dollar offers and how strategic tension is being used to push up valuations. Is splitting the company more valuable than selling it whole? And what’s the endgame for each suitor? (00:00) Rate Cut Hopes & Market Moves (07:34) M&A Roundup: Paint, Healthcare & Waste (10:27) Wind Power Play: Ørsted & Apollo (12:39) Warner Bros vs Paramount (24:34) Netflix & Comcast Join the Fray (32:00) Who Buys the Crown Jewels

Asset Management Explained: Beginner Guide with Ben Hayward (CEO of TwentyFour)

Ever wondered what asset management actually means? In this clip, we sit down with Ben Hayward, CEO and founding partner of TwentyFour Asset Management, to unpack the industry in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to follow. From how investment funds are built to what fund managers actually do all day, Ben explains the difference between active and passive investing, breaks down different asset types like bonds and stocks, and shares why he chose a career in fixed income. Perfect for students and early-career professionals curious about finance, this explanation is your front-row seat to understanding how big money gets managed. Listen to the full conversation [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cIliJv7THFnmowGJ4wo1v] for more incredible insights from Ben on the industry, roles and career advice.