antitrust Archives - Page 2 of 3

Tag Archives: antitrust

Paramount has filed for an Expedited Evidentiary Hearing to Avoid a Lengthy Process and Increased Cost to get Warner Bros. Discovery

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Brett

The clock is ticking for Paramount Skydance when it comes to their takeover over Warner Bros. Discovery. The business move has a temporary restraining order granted preventing it from going forward inching the entertainment company closer to its September 30 deadline to complete the deal.

On July 13, a dozen attorneys general filed a lawsuit focused on antitrust and competition against the deal which would have Paramount Acquiring WBD. On July 20, a judge granted a temporary restraining order preventing the deal from being “closing” or “consummating” or taking any steps that would integrate or consolidate the operations.

Paramount has filed a motion for an abbreviated three-day evidentiary hearing to present its case to the court. A hearing was set for August 3 but Paramount is asking for that to be pushed to the week of August 17 or August 24 with a mini trial instead of a focus on the preliminary injunction.

Paramount wants the case to go quickly as the cost to purchase WBD increases if the deal isn’t done by September 30. The price increases 25 cents per share per quarter it’s not approved. That would add $627 million to the cost of the overall deal each quarter, or roughly $7 million per day. This lawsuit will likely drag on for months if it moves forward making it unlikely the deal will close by that date. The company has said delays could force it to renegotiate the deal’s financing, cause uncertainty for its stock price, or end the transaction altogether.

Restraining Order Granted in Paramount Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Brett

It’s an early win for a dozen State Attorneys General in their lawsuit attempting to stop the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery. The temporary restraining order pauses the merger for 14 days and in response to a lawsuit filed July 13 by California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District for the Northern District of California and alleges the deal violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act. That focuses on lessening competition through mergers and is an attempt to prevent monopolies.

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin wrote that the AG’s:

…present compelling evidence that the combined firm resulting from the transaction will possess substantial market share in the wide-release theatrical distribution market.

On this combined firm market share alone, the Court is persuaded that it can presume the proposed merger is likely to violate antitrust laws.

The order prevents the deal from “closing” or “consummating” or taking any steps that would integrate or consolidate the operations.

Attorney General Bonta said in a statement:

My office and attorneys general nationwide have secured an emergency order blocking the unlawful merger of Warner Bros. and Paramount. This is a critical first win in our case to ensure this megamerger never sees the light of day. History tells the tale of what happens when a few people have great power over markets that are central to Americans’ lives: fewer opportunities for more people, worse products and services for all people. With our lawsuit, we’re fighting for a free and fair market and a thriving film and television industry that serves creatives and audiences alike. We have a full tank of gas, the law on our side, and look forward to continuing to make our case.

The AGs argued the temporary restraining order was needed because Paramount had indicated it could possibly close the deal soon. Paramount’s lead attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, said that they were prepared to commit to not closing the merger for the next 28 days.

The decision is important as it delays the closing of the deal for Paramount. Paramount Skydance wants the deal to close before September 30, 2026 or the cost will increase the longer it drags on. The price increases 25 cents per share per quarter it’s not approved. That would add $627 million to the cost of the overall deal each quarter, or roughly $7 million per day. This lawsuit could drag on for months making it unlikely the deal will close by that date. The company has said delays could force it to renegotiate the deal’s financing, cause uncertainty for its stock price, or end the transaction altogether.

Loading Viewer…

Alan Cumming and Block the Merger UK urge a Stop to the Paramount Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Brett

With the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance having been approved by some governments, but more to come, organizing against the deal has ramped up. Alan Cumming and Block the Merger UK has been urging individuals to speak out against the deal ahead of a decision by the UK government.

Block the Merger UK is urging people to contact the Department for Culture, Media and Sport or Ofcom and demand the merger is examined in depth.

Cumming and the organization highlight the consolidation leads to “one country” controlling a “massive slice of what we watch in Britain.” This new company would be “beholden to Donald Trump, autocrats and oligarchs.”

Concerns of job cuts are also raised and there’s still time for UK regulators to hear input from citizens.

A website has been set up with an email template and ways, and who, to contact.

Block the Merger was launched in April spinning out of a coalition of Hollywood stars and staff spoke up against the merger.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Committee for the First Amendment (@1acommittee)

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said last month she is “minded to intervene” in the $110 billion takeover. A formal decision has not been made. If there is intervention, it’d trigger investigations by Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority, the antitrust watchdog.

But, things are up in the air as the House of Commons has gone into recess with any update by Nandy. That means things are potentially in limbo until September 1 when Parliament returns from its summer break.

Paramount has a deadline of September 30 to close the deal. If it doesn’t the price increases with a “ticking fee” that increases share cost by 25 cents per share, about $650 million, for every quarter beyond the third.

The deal could still close without UK clearance. The CMA though is investigating the merger and intends to issue an update August 7.

The deal between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has come under heavy scrutiny this past week with a dozen attorneys general suing to stop the deal as well as the Writer’s Guild of America suing, and a third lawsuit involving shareholders.

Paramount Shareholders Sue David and Larry Ellison over “Illegal” Deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Brett

It hasn’t been a good week for the Ellisons and Paramount Skydance with multiple lawsuits being filed regarding their attempted takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. This week, a dozen attorneys general sued claiming antitrust violations and the Writers Guild of America stepped in with a lawsuit of their own. Now, shareholders of Paramount are suing saying the father/son duo cut an “illegal” deal with President Donald Trump to secure the government’s approval of the takeover. Trump’s government approved the deal in June though there’s been some concerns raised about the approval process.

The shareholder lawsuit is attempting to block the $111 billion merger along with unspecified monetary damages. The lawsuit claims that the Ellisons promised “illegal private benefits” to President Trump in exchange for the government approval.

That side deal would include funneling money to Trump by settling his legal claims against CNN as well as firing CNN anchors Trump does not like.

The lawsuit states:

The Ellisons’ actions not only harm the reputations of the news outlets they currently own, which are hemorrhaging viewers, but they are latent liabilities waiting to be triggered by a future administration.

Paramount has responded through a spokesperson:

This lawsuit recycles allegations that have already been reported and already addressed. As we’ve said consistently: no commitments from either David or Larry Ellison have been made to any government body, State AG, or federal agency regarding the future of CNN or any other news property, other than the goal to deliver truth-based journalism.

The Warner Bros. Discovery transaction stands on its own merits. Combining these two libraries and platforms gives consumers more choice, not less — greater investment in original programming, a stronger competitor to streaming rivals, and a more durable footing for journalism and storytelling alike. We remain confident in the merger’s fundamentals and will continue toward closing.

The lawsuit not only names the Ellisons but also includes Paramount Skydance board members: Gerry Cardinale, Safra Catz, Andrew Brandon-Gordon, Paul Marinelli, John Thornton, Barbara Byrne, Andrew Campion, Justin Hamill and Sherry Lansing.

Paramount Skydance also faces a hurdle in the European Commission and the U.K. The company has attempted to address EU competition concerns such as ending a film distribution venture it has with Universe Pictures. The European Commission has extended its deadline for its decision from July 7 to July 22.

Paramount Skydance wants the deal to close before September 1, 2026 or the cost will increase the longer it drags on. The price increases 25 cents per share per quarter it’s not approved. That would add $627 million to the cost of the overall deal each quarter, or roughly $7 million per day. This lawsuit will likely drag on for months if it moves forward making it unlikely the deal will close by that date. The company has said delays could force it to renegotiate the deal’s financing, cause uncertainty for its stock price, or end the the transaction altogether.

Loading Viewer…

The WGA has filed a lawsuit to Block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Brett

Things are heating up when it comes to the Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Yesterday, a dozen attorneys general filed a lawsuit to stop the merger. On the same day, the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East also filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger.

In the complaint, the WGA states the merger would reduce opportunities, lower pay, and worsen working conditions for writers. They also state the merger would reduce output as well as suppress competition for writers’ work.

The WGA complaint focuses on the anticompetitive effects of the merger in three markets for writing services: anticipated top grossing films, episodic television and streaming series, and overall deals.

In June, the White House and the Department of Justice approved the merger. Oregon has been investigating Paramount Skydance’s “Project Warrior” which was focused on winning approval for the deal. They recently withdrew motions regarding their own lawsuit. It’s unknown if they’ll continue to pursue that as they are a part of antitrust lawsuit by the attorneys general.

Paramount Skydance still faces a hurdle in the European Commission and the U.K. The company has attempted to address EU competition concerns such as ending a film distribution venture it has with Universe Pictures. The European Commission has extended its deadline for its decision from July 7 to July 22.

California leads 11 Other States in Suing to Block Paramount’s Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Brett

As expected, California and 11 other states have filed a lawsuit to stop Paramount Skydance‘s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They state that the $110 billion deal would lessen competition in film distribution and television as well as harm theaters and television distributors.

The lawsuit is being lead by California Attorney General Bonta and includes Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

In the lawsuit the attorneys general allege:

Wide Release Theatrical Film Distribution, where Warner Bros. and Paramount are two of the five major film distributors and would combine for around 27% share of the market. After the merger, only three distributors will control 75% of these films and only four distributors (Defendants, Disney, Universal, and Sony) will control 86% of them.
Anticipated Top-Grossing Theatrical Film Distribution, a submarket of theatrical film distribution focused on anticipated blockbuster films with wide audiences and large production budgets. After the merger, Defendants will control more than 30% of these films, and four distributors (Defendants, Disney, Universal, and Sony) will control more than 90% of them.
Licensing Basic Cable Television Channels, or the market for distributing basic cable channels to cable and satellite providers. Warner Bros. is the second largest and Paramount is the third largest in this market, and they would combine for a 27% share.

Paramount Skydance wants the deal to close before September 30, 2026 or the cost will increase the longer it drags on. The price increases 25 cents per share per quarter it’s not approved. That would add $627 million to the cost of the overall deal each quarter, or roughly $7 million per day. This lawsuit will likely drag on for months if it moves forward making it unlikely the deal will close by that date. The company has said delays could force it to renegotiate the deal’s financing, cause uncertainty for its stock price, or end the the transaction altogether.

Oregon Attorney General investigating Paramount over its Warner Bros. Discovery Deal

Posted on July 11, 2026 by Brett

Oregon’s Attorney General Dan Rayfield is stepping into the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance. The office had asked for records regarding the deal, in particular its “Project Warrior,” the lobbying of the White House and the Department of Justice, questioning their approval of the merger in June.

The office had asked for records regarding the deal and stated that Paramount Skydance had not been responsive to record requests. The company has responded back that those records are not pertinent to antitrust concerns.

After initially filing multiple motions, the Attorney General’s withdrew the request to delay the closing of the merger as well as the request of records. The $110 billion acquisition could close as early as July 22.

The investigation is not over though, and the office has stated they are considering their next steps. Jenny Hansson, a spokeswoman for the A.G.’s office, said:

Paramount made it clear that they weren’t going to comply with the investigative demand, and that they think they’re above the law. We’re not going to let them waste Oregonians’ resources on these games. We’ve withdrawn the motion to consider our next steps.

Oregon is the first state to step in regarding the deal but more may join as California’s Attorney General has voiced concern over the deal and it is expected a motion will be filed in the next few weeks regarding it.

British Government Likely to Challenge Paramount Skydance’s Takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Brett

At least one government is stepping up and doing their job as the British government said it will likely challenge Paramount Skydance‘s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. In early June, Trump’s Department of Justice approved the merger saying it would “not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers.” The British government might be coming to a different conclusion.

British culture minister Lisa Nandy said she was “minded to intervene.” In the full statement, Nandy said:

Following engagement with the parties and independent research, my Department has today written to the current and proposed owners of Warner Bros Discovery on my behalf to inform them that I am minded to intervene.

“Minded to” means the government will make a move before legal steps are done. The companies can now respond.

Nandy’s concerns are the consolidation of news media as well as consolidation of control of media enterprises.

If the deal goes through, Paramount Skydance would take over Warner Bros. Studios, CNN, DC Comics, and more. They already control CBS, CBS News, and the Ellisons (who control Paramount Skydance) have a large investment in TikTok which is a popular platform for news.

While the United States federal government has abdicated its role in protecting consumers and competition, a coalition of state attorneys general have stated they believe the Trump administration is failing to enforce antitrust laws and may take action themselves. There are also regulatory concerns over the amount of foreign investment in the deal.

The British investigation, and others, could add months before the deal is finally approved, if it is.

Trump’s DOJ Approves Paramount’s Merger with Warner Bros. While States Stepping Up to Actually Scrutinize it Looms

Posted on June 12, 2026 by Brett

As expected, Trump’s Department of Justice has approved Paramount Skydance‘s planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The green light was given this Friday and a key step in the acquisition process. Authorities in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, New Zealand Commerce Commission, and authorities in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Serbia and North Macedonia, Germany, Slovenia, Belgium, Czechia, New Zealand, Italy, France and Romania have all approved the deal in some way.

In the DOJ’s statement, they said:

The transaction is not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers, including with respect to: (1) streaming video on demand (“SVOD”); (2) linear television; and (3) studio development, production, or distribution of films for theatrical release.

Anyone with two working brain cells and not and administration sycophant know that’s absolutely not going to be the case. The approval is a payoff in the investment the Ellisons, Trump allies, have made in the current President. You need to make your money back somehow and between this and Ellison’s investment in TikTok, their investment is potentially paying off while further burning the United States to the ground.

The $111 billion proposed deal is being pushed through because if it extends past September 1, stockholders will see more paid out to them, thus vastly increasing the cost.

The deal for Warner Bros. Discovery would giver Paramount Skydance control of such assets as CNN, HBO, Warner Bros., HBO Max, and have a major impact on the comic industry as DC Comics, Wonder Comics, and Milestone Media, are all owned by Warner Bros. Discovery or have deals with it.

It will be a disaster for consumers on multiple fronts.

After the Ellison takeover of CBS, they appointed Bari Weiss to head up the news division. Weiss has destroyed the credibility of 60 Minutes and decreased the viewership for multiple shows on the broadcast network.

Paramount Skydance also recently merged its video game studios which will eventually lead to layoffs and it’s likely WB Games and all of the video game studios from Warner Bros. Discovery will be folded into the new venture.

The deal is not done yet:

Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery may face a lawsuit by a coalition of state attorneys general who have stated they believe the Trump administration is failing to enforce antitrust laws.

The UK’s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority, said it was initiating an investigation into the proposed deal.

The European Commission is investigating the deal under the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation. $24 billion of the deal is coming from the sovereign wealth funds of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The merged Paramount-WBD would be 49.5% owned by foreign investors with 38.5% of the equity owned by a trio of Gulf States. That has a deadline if July 14. The irony is TikTok not allowed to be owned by a foreign government but 49.5% of Paramount-WBD can be.

While we don’t expect the deal to impact DC Comics, Milestone Media, or Wonder Comics immediately, we do expect the intellectual property to be quickly used in an attempt to increase revenue for the mega company.

Around the Tubes

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

It’s a new week! And we’re busy on our end bringing you the latest news. While you begin the week, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to kick it off.

The Beat – A Year of Free Comics: Read Chapter 1 of Fred Tornager’s GUNHILD – Free comics!

CBR – Federal Judge Confirms That AI Art Cannot Be Copyrighted – Good.

ICv2 – American Booksellers Association and Others Support Amazon Antitrust Actions – Hope so.

Reviews

CBR – Dark X-Men #1
The Beat – Lonesome Days, Savage Nights Vol. 2
CBR – Mech Cadets #1
CBR – Spider-Man Annual 2023
CBR – Superman 2023 Annual