Cyprus Ministry Unveils €14 Million Digital Upgrade Scheme for Businesses

by News Editor

April 30, 2025

Boosting Digital Transformation in Cyprus

The Cyprus Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has announced a major push to foster digital enhancement among local businesses. As part of the national initiative, Thaleia 2021–2027, a fresh round of the business digital upgrade scheme is now open for proposals.

A Hefty Investment in Technology

With a robust budget of €30 million dedicated to the scheme through this period, €14 million has been earmarked for the latest call for proposals. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to integrating digital technologies in enterprise operations, primarily targeting businesses operating under the Republic of Cyprus’s supervision.

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Important Dates and Application Details

The submission window opens on May 20, 2025, at 09:00, remaining open until funds are depleted. Prospective applicants can find the application guide, necessary documents, and submission form here. For further inquiries, contact the ministry at 22867282, 22867284, or 22867149.

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Warner Bros Discovery Board Rejects Paramount’s $108.4 Billion Bid In Favor Of Netflix Deal

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 7, 2026

In a bold and definitive move, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has rejected Paramount Skydance’s revised $108.4 billion proposal, deeming the offer a high-risk leveraged buyout that would saddle the studio with an enormous $87 billion in debt.

Paramount’s Bid Under Scrutiny

In its letter to shareholders, WBD criticized the bid as structurally unsound, warning that the extraordinary debt requirements render the deal particularly precarious. The board’s unanimous rejection underscores a rigorous assessment of the financial implications, with WBD highlighting that Paramount, a company with a market capitalization of approximately $14 billion, is attempting an acquisition that demands financing nearly seven times its value.

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A Comparative Analysis: Netflix Versus Paramount

Rather than accept the risky leveraged structure of the Paramount proposal, WBD recommended shareholder support for its earlier cash-and-share transaction with Netflix. With a market capitalization approaching $400 billion, Netflix presents a more conventional and financially solid merger partner, bolstered by an investment-grade balance sheet, an A/A3 credit rating, and robust projected free cash flow of over $12 billion in 2026.

Potential Impact on Future Mergers

The rejection of the Paramount bid not only clarifies WBD’s strategic direction but also offers a broader insight into the evolving landscape of high-stakes media acquisitions. Paramount’s renewed offer, which included a $40 billion guarantee from CEO David Ellison’s father, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, and plans to raise $54 billion in debt financing, was met with skepticism regarding its feasibility and long-term impact on the company’s credit profile.

Strategic Implications for the Industry

WBD’s decision reflects an increasing emphasis on sustainable financial structures in blockbuster mergers. By favoring the Netflix deal, WBD signals a commitment to stability and long-term value creation, setting a benchmark for future transactions in the media and entertainment sector. This move is poised to influence negotiations and strategic planning for similar high-value deals, where the balance of risk and financial prudence remains paramount.

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