Paramount nears merger settlement, but some key state AGs are not on board yet
The settlement push has split the coalition as some states seek added remedies and worker protections before the case reaches trial.
- On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission approved Paramount Skydance's request to allow foreign investments in its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, permitting Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds to hold substantial indirect equity stakes.
- Paramount sought the agency's approval because federal rules restrict foreign ownership of broadcast licensees to 25% without regulatory clearance, and the company argued foreign capital is essential to compete with dominant tech companies.
- The Commission conditioned its approval on strict limitations, ensuring foreign investors hold no voting stock and "will not have any influence, direction, or control over or provide any commentary or guidance on Paramount's content decisions, company management." Data protection requirements follow a national security review.
- Despite the regulatory greenlight, the merger remains stalled by an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America, with a trial scheduled to begin in March.
- Facing a $1.9 billion bond requirement to cover ticking fees, Paramount agreed to postpone the merger closing until after the trial or until June 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
92 Articles
92 Articles
Major U.S. Company Leaving California After 114 Years
Paramount Skydance is considering moving its headquarters and a large share of its California work beginning Oct. 1, 2026, if it does not settle a multi-state antitrust lawsuit aimed at blocking its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a TMZ report. Paramount Pictures dates to 1912, when Adolph Zukor founded Famous Players. A […]
FCC Approves 49.5% Foreign Ownership in Merged Paramount Warner Bros. Studio
While California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general attempt to block Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the federal government has delivered another sign of approval. Paramount Skydance and RedBird Capital sought capital from foreign investors to help finance the reported $111 billion all-cash deal. However, because the merger involves American broadcast licenses, the arrangement required app…
Paramount's Anti-Trust Settlement Negotiators Are Still Divided on Terms
The talks surrounding Paramount's anti-trust case are splitting state officials at the bargaining table into two factions -- deal and no deal. The studio is trying to settle the case brought against the entertainment giant by 12 states as it tries…
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