Amazon & MGM: A Marriage That Just Got the Final Kiss
On March 17, Amazon announced that the long‑awaited $8.5 billion (S$12 billion) purchase of MGM is officially closed. Think about it now – the folks behind “Rocky” and “James Bond” are officially in the Amazon family. The goal? Use all those blockbuster titles to keep folks hooked on Amazon Prime Video and its ever‑expanding streaming club.
Regulatory Drama Behind the Curtains
After a whiff of Federal Trade Commission scrutiny, Amazon successfully sidestepped any objections—no layoffs are on the cards, and employees are “welcome to Amazon” every step of the way.
- FTC deadline passed: No challenge.
- European Commission gave the green light with zero conditions.
- Amazon claims it has “substantially complied” with all FTC data requests.
Employees Join Forces
Mike Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Prime Video and Amazon Studios, will lead the newly merged workforce. According to Hopkins, the talented MGM crew will be a natural fit for Amazon’s media ecosystem.
Why This Should Matter to You
Amazon Prime Video is about to swell its library by more than 4,000 titles. Plus, you’ll get Oscar‑nominated “Licorice Pizza” and a kettle full of original TV shows that put Amazon in direct competition with Netflix and Disney+.
Hopkins’ Take: “We welcome MGM employees, creators, and talent to Prime Video and Amazon Studios, and we look forward to working together.”
FTC’s Standpoint
While the FTC remained tight‑lipped on specifics, it reminded everyone that it can still challenge a deal after it’s closed if it finds legal violations. And, as a reminder, an eight‑platform antitrust probe involving Amazon and the other tech giants continues to keep regulators on their toes.
For now, though, you can rescue your binge‑watching habits with the newly expanded Prime Video lineup—no layoffs, no drama, just more popcorn.
