Paramount Skydance Secures Global Antitrust Approvals, Faces State AG Lawsuit
Paramount Skydance has obtained antitrust clearance from regulators worldwide for its $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery merger, but a lawsuit by California and 11 other state attorneys general remains unresolved.
Paramount Skydance confirmed that all major competition regulators worldwide have signed off on its planned $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking approval in roughly 70 jurisdictions. The firm praised the unanimous view that the merger would enhance competition, benefit consumers and support workers.
However, a lawsuit filed by California and eleven other state attorneys general remains the sole obstacle to closing the transaction. CEO David Ellison urged the states to engage in good-faith negotiations and indicated that Paramount is prepared to offer specific commitments, though details were not disclosed. The legal challenge has split Hollywood unions, with some demanding a settlement and others, such as the Writers Guild of America, calling for a complete block.
California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and prospective Attorney General Xavier Becerra, have expressed interest in a compromise. Ellison also hinted that an extended dispute could prompt the company to move its corporate base out of California.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine whether a major media merger proceeds, affecting competition, jobs and content creation.
How this story developed
- Aug 4 Paramount chief David Ellison seen at Disneyland amid Warner Bros. antitrust fight
- Aug 6 The United Kingdom has approved Paramount Skydance’s $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., finding no competition concerns and opting not to issue a public-interest intervention.
- Aug 6 UK regulators granted approval even as antitrust lawsuits proceed in the United States.
- Aug 7 A federal judge dismissed a consumer antitrust lawsuit against the merger.
- Aug 9 A US state‑led antitrust lawsuit set a trial date for March 2027.
- Aug 11 Paramount's board approved a plan to relocate the studio if Attorney General Rob Bonta does not negotiate a settlement by Oct. 1.
- Aug 12 Bonta publicly labeled the relocation threat as blackmail.
- Aug 12 Writers Guild of America publicly condemned Ellison’s relocation threat.
- Aug 12 California’s governor privately recommended settling the antitrust case instead of seeking an injunction.
- Aug 13 The Directors Guild of America and IATSE publicly urged a settlement of the antitrust lawsuit.
- Aug 13 The DGA and IATSE issued a nine‑point letter outlining settlement conditions for the Paramount‑Warner merger case.
In this story
Related stories
12 in this thread