FCC Approves 49.5% Foreign Stake in Paramount

FCC approved foreign ownership in Paramount Skydance's (PSKY) $110B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), allowing over 25% foreign financing. The decision enables the deal to proceed as planned.

The FCC approved foreign investment in Paramount Skydance's $110B acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, with limits on voting rights and control. The deal awaits a March trial. Middle Eastern investors can hold significant equity, raising concerns about influence.

The FCC approved Paramount's request to allow foreign equity ownership to exceed 25%, up to 100%, for its merger with Warner Bros Discovery. Investors include Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Qatar's QIA TMT Holding, each with non-voting stakes. The ruling requires compliance with national security conditions and no influence over content or management. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the decision, calling for a full commission vote.

The FCC approved Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds to hold nearly 50% of a merged Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery, with the Ellison family retaining control. The deal faces antitrust challenges but aims to compete with big tech.

The FCC approved Paramount's $110B acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, allowing foreign investors to hold up to 20% equity without voting rights. A U.S. judge temporarily blocked the deal pending a March trial. Larry Ellison's group will hold the largest equity and voting shares post-merger, according to the sources.

The FCC approved Paramount Skydance's request for foreign investments in its acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, with restrictions on foreign influence. The deal limits foreign investors to non-voting stock and prohibits control over content or management. The FCC's decision addresses concerns raised by a group of senators.