High Occupancy Rates for Cyprus Restaurants in October; Winter Decline Anticipated

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 1, 2024

Restaurants, cafes, and bars in Cyprus experienced a strong October, with occupancy levels reaching 80 to 90 per cent, according to Neophytos Thrasyvoulou, president of the Federation of Leisure Centre Owners (Osika). He described October as a “very successful month” for the food service industry.

However, with winter approaching, Thrasyvoulou acknowledged potential challenges, especially with the impact of regional instability. “Visitor numbers have seen a slight drop in recent days,” he noted, though he hopes that occupancy levels will remain steady until mid-November. By early November, Thrasyvoulou expects visitor occupancy to hover around 50 to 60 per cent, after which the responsibility will lie with businesses to keep operating, with support from the Labour Ministry’s programme to extend the tourism season.

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Reflecting on the earlier summer months of June and July, Thrasyvoulou highlighted that visitor numbers were initially lower than expected, largely due to Middle East tensions. The trend eventually improved, leading to a stronger second half of the season.

Despite rising costs, Thrasyvoulou urged business owners to maintain affordable pricing, aiming to keep dining accessible for both locals and tourists amid economic pressures.

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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.

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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