Paramount settles antitrust lawsuit with state AGs, clearing path for WBD merger

Paramount must establish an editorial oversight board for CNN and CBS News as part of a settlement resolving a lawsuit against its $110bn acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. The board, to be formed within 180 days, will aim to ensure editorial independence and resolve disputes. Critics, including media figures and staffers, express skepticism about its effectiveness, while state attorneys involved in the lawsuit have mixed views on its impact.

Paramount settled a lawsuit with 12 US states, clearing the way for its takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal, valued at $24 billion in equity, includes safeguards for CNN's independence and film production commitments. The settlement requires Paramount to produce a set number of films annually and increase US film production spending.

Paramount settled with US states, clearing the way for its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal, approved by the Trump administration, includes $24B in equity from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and Larry Ellison. Critics raised concerns about job losses and CNN's independence, but safeguards were included. The combined company is expected to control 27% of theatrical film distribution and basic cable channels.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shares rose over 10% after Paramount (PSKY) settled with states, clearing a merger path. The deal requires $1.5B investment in U.S. film production and 30-32 movies annually. Paramount shares fell 3%.

Paramount has resolved a legal hurdle to its $24B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, with an agreement from US states. The deal, backed by sovereign wealth funds and Oracle's Larry Ellison, includes concessions like film release commitments and editorial board independence for CBS News and CNN. The merger still requires final approvals.

Paramount and Skydance settled legal challenges, clearing the way for an $110B merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal requires 30 annual film releases, with penalties for non-compliance. Paramount committed to maintaining U.S. operations and investing $1.5B in production. Regulatory approvals are in place, with a potential $7M daily late fee. Analysts view terms as reasonable, and both stocks rallied as closing nears.