started · updated
Paramount Skydance secures global regulatory approval for Warner Bros. Discovery merger
Paramount Skydance has announced that it has secured regulatory clearances for its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in 68 jurisdictions, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Brazil. The eight-month review process concluded with various global regulators finding no basis to prevent the transaction.
Despite these international approvals, the merger faces a significant legal hurdle in the United States. A lawsuit filed on July 13 by California and 11 other state attorneys general seeks to block the deal on antitrust grounds. A federal judge has scheduled a trial for this litigation in March 2027. Consequently, Paramount has indicated it will not complete the acquisition until the court rules or until June 1, 2027.
Industry unions, including the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), and the Teamsters, have expressed concerns regarding the merger. These organizations are pressuring both Paramount and state officials to reach a settlement to protect workers and industry stability. Meanwhile, prediction markets like Kalshi suggest a 74% chance of the deal closing by July 2027, though the legal challenges have lowered the perceived likelihood of success compared to earlier estimates.
Entities
California · David Ellison · Directors Guild of America · IATSE · Paramount · Paramount Skydance · Rob Bonta · Warner Bros. Discovery
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] An antitrust lawsuit filed by California and 11 other states is the final remaining obstacle to the merger. cordcuttersnews.com · olorisupergal.com · www.hollywoodreporter.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Paramount Skydance has secured regulatory clearance for its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery in nearly 70 jurisdictions. cordcuttersnews.com · olorisupergal.com · www.hollywoodreporter.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The DGA and IATSE unions are urging a settlement to end the uncertainty affecting industry employment. elveedordigital.com · yve-style.com · thatparkplace.com · dnyuz.com · www.quotenmeter.de · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Global film and television production has declined by between 35% and 40%. elveedordigital.com · thatparkplace.com · www.quotenmeter.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Writers Guild of America has filed its own antitrust lawsuit to block the merger. yve-style.com · deadline.com · www.hollywoodreporter.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Delays in the merger could cost Paramount approximately $7.1 million per day in fees to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders. www.uol.com.br · deadline.com · www.netflixjunkie.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] A trial for the antitrust case has been scheduled for March 2, 2027. yve-style.com · deadline.com · dnyuz.com · variety.com · losangelesweeklytimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Teamsters union remains opposed to the merger, demanding data and concrete commitments to protect workers. deadline.com · dnyuz.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The company offered $30 per share in cash for the acquisition. www.gazetepencere.com · www.dunya.com · www.medyafaresi.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The regulatory review process lasted approximately eight months. www.gazetepencere.com · blockonomi.com · www.dunya.com · www.medyafaresi.com · www.nickalive.net · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The lawsuit is scheduled to be heard in March 2027. www.gazetepencere.com · www.dunya.com · www.medyafaresi.com · losangelesweeklytimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The DOJ Antitrust Division concluded on June 12 that the merger would not harm market competition. www.gazetepencere.com · www.dunya.com · www.medyafaresi.com