California AG Rob Bonta Says David Ellison Is “Desperate” and “Grasping at Straws”

Live updates

1. 26d ago

   Paramount seeks $1.88B bond from states amid WBD merger delay

   Paramount is seeking a $1.88 billion bond from state attorneys general to cover costs of delaying its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. California AG Rob Bonta rejected the request, calling it a 'do-over' on the merger delay. The development is part of an ongoing antitrust battle.

   Why it matters

   The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is under scrutiny from regulators and critics. The deal would create a media giant with significant market power. State attorneys general, including California's Rob Bonta, are examining the merger's potential impact on competition.

   What is confirmed

   • Paramount is seeking a $1.88 billion bond from state attorneys general to cover costs of delaying its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
   • California AG Rob Bonta rejected Paramount's request for a $1.88 billion bond, calling it a 'do-over' on the merger delay.
   • Paramount CEO David Ellison has considered relocating the company's base to Austin, Texas, amid the antitrust battle.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Paramount may exit California if it does not receive favorable treatment in the antitrust battle.

   What to watch next

   • The decision on Paramount's merger bond request
   • The outcome of the antitrust battle between Paramount and state regulators
   • Paramount's potential relocation to Austin, Texas
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. CNBC — Paramount seeks $1.88 billion bond from state AGs to cover costs of WBD merger delay
   2. nytimes.com — Paramount Asks States to Shoulder Costs of Delaying Warner Bros. Deal
   3. Variety — California A.G. Rejects $1.88 Billion Paramount Bond, Says Company Wants a ‘Do-Over’ on Merger Delay
   4. Los Angeles Times — Paramount demands $1.9 billion from states, citing Warner deal delays
   5. CNN — Paramount wants a $1.9 billion bond from state AGs fighting the Warner Bros. merger
   6. Variety — Will David Ellison Say Goodbye to Hollywood? Some See Paramount’s Potential Exit From California as ‘Strategically Unwise’ — but Others Say It’s Just Smart Business
   7. Axios — Paramount wants states, WGA to post $1.9B bond to cover merger pause losses
   8. WSJ — Paramount Wants $1.88 Billion Bond From States, Writers Challenging Warner Deal
   9. The Hollywood Reporter — California AG Rob Bonta Says David Ellison Is “Desperate” and “Grasping at Straws”
   10. Deadline — Decision On Paramount's $1.88B Merger Bond Now Close To Ticking Fee Start Date
   11. New York Post — Exclusive | Paramount CEO David Ellison eyes Austin as potential new base after threatening to ditch California during antitrust battle
   confidence 85%