Mark Ruffalo says Paramount merger will kill jobs and free speech

Micron MU reported strong Q4 earnings and guidance, driven by data center revenue growth. Eli Lilly LLY announced positive results in a weight loss trial. Paramount Global PARA and Warner Bros. Discovery WBD merger was approved. Oracle ORCL shares rose on upbeat guidance. Nike NKE, McCormick MKC, and others are set to report earnings today.

Paramount Global's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has gained US federal court approval. Ynon Kreiz, former Mattel CEO, will become co-CEO of the merged company, overseeing day-to-day operations. David Ellison remains CEO, focusing on strategy and creative direction. The merger, valued at $111 billion, addresses antitrust concerns and aims to create a global media and sports rights powerhouse.

Needham retained its Hold rating on Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) ahead of its planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) by October 6, 2026. The merger is expected to create a dominant media entity with significant market shares in various sectors. Concerns include high debt levels and potential overvaluation, according to Needham and InvestingPro analysis. Warner Bros. Discovery shares are near their 52-week high, up 60% over the past year.

Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) are finalizing their merger, with a federal judge approving a settlement. Paramount CEO David Ellison appointed Ynon Kreiz, former Mattel CEO, as co-CEO. The merger, expected to close on October 6th, will create a major media company. Both CEOs expressed optimism about the strategic vision and global scale of the combined entity.

Paramount Skydance (PSKY) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) expect their merger to close on October 6, with WBD shareholders receiving $31.01666668 per share. The deal combines their media and streaming assets, including HBO Max, Warner Bros., CNN, Discovery, Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, Paramount+, and Pluto TV. Completion is subject to customary closing conditions.

A U.S. judge approved a settlement between Paramount Skydance and 12 states, clearing the final legal hurdle for its $110B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal combines major studios and streaming services. Paramount committed to investing $1.5B in U.S. production and meeting film release and cable channel negotiation requirements.