Paramount Nears Antitrust Approval for Warner Bros Acquisition

May 27, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Paramount Global is moving closer to securing US antitrust clearance for its proposed 110 billion US dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after recent discussions with Justice Department officials appeared to ease regulatory concerns around the transaction.

The Department of Justice has been examining how the merger could affect streaming competition, film production volumes, movie theatres and content licensing arrangements.

According to people familiar with the matter, attorneys involved in the review appeared persuaded by arguments from Paramount executives that the deal would not disadvantage competing studios or reduce opportunities for creative talent.

The latest developments follow a two-hour meeting between senior Paramount executives and Justice Department officials, during which chief executive David Ellison reiterated the company’s commitment to releasing films in cinemas.

The transaction has nevertheless drawn criticism from sections of Hollywood. More than 3,500 people signed a letter opposing the merger.

Paramount has been pushing to complete the acquisition quickly after competing with Netflix for the deal.