Monday, Sep 21, 2026
1 Paramount Settles With 12 States to End Block on $110 Billion Warner Bros. MergerPSKYWBD 💼 Business Sep 21, 6:45 PM EDT 68/36
US state attorneys general and the Writers Guild dropped their antitrust lawsuits against Paramount Skydance, clearing the way for the company to finalize its acquisition of a rival studio. The $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery includes a commitment to release 30 movies per year in theaters, with $30 million penalties for every missed title or a required sale of the company's stake in Miramax. California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated the agreement protects jobs, though he added the deal is not a "blessing" for the merger.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez warned the consolidation could raise consumer prices, reduce content diversity and weaken editorial independence. Mediation by Governor Gavin Newsom and investments in domestic production helped secure the deal, which triggered a rise in shares for both entities on Monday. The settlement resolves legal challenges regarding the combined entity's market power in film distribution.