Paramount, California AG to meet over possible settlement in $110B Warner Bros. Discovery merger lawsuit

Live updates

1. 21d ago

   Iowa AG threatens Supreme Court action over Paramount antitrust suit

   Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is suing California to stop the antitrust action against the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Bird argues California should not decide what Americans stream or watch. This escalation follows the collapse of settlement talks between California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Paramount. Bonta stated Tuesday that no further settlement meetings are currently scheduled after he canceled a Monday appointment, citing a lack of good faith and the leak of previous discussion details.

   Why it matters

   California is leading a multi-state effort to block the merger on antitrust grounds. Paramount has previously threatened to move its headquarters out of California if the case proceeds to trial next year.

   What is confirmed

   • Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is suing California over its leadership in the lawsuit against the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.
   • California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated on Tuesday that no settlement talks are scheduled with Paramount Skydance.
   • Settlement discussions regarding the Paramount-WBD acquisition broke off on Monday.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Brenna Bird intends to take the case to the Supreme Court.

   What to watch next

   • Court filings from the Iowa Attorney General's office
   • A response from California Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding the Iowa lawsuit
   • Confirmation of a trial date for the original antitrust case
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. consent.yahoo.com — California AG cancels Paramount meeting alleging ‘leak’ of settlement details
   2. eu.usatoday.com — California cancels potential settlement talks with Paramount
   3. www.aol.com — California AG says no settlement talks scheduled with Paramount
   4. www.thewrap.com — Iowa State AG Says She’s Taking California’s Rob Bonta to Supreme Court Over Paramount Lawsuit
   5. variety.com — Iowa Attorney General Says She’s Taking California to the Supreme Court Over Paramount-Warner Bros. Lawsuit
   6. deadline.com — Iowa MAGA AG Wants To Take California & Rob Bonta To Supreme Court Over Paramount-WBD Antitrust Suit, Maybe
   7. www.postwrestling.com — Settlement talks for Paramount-WBD acquisition called off by California AG
   confidence 90%
2. 22d ago

   California AG cancels Paramount settlement talks over alleged leaks

   California Attorney General Rob Bonta canceled a meeting scheduled for Monday, August 24, to discuss a settlement regarding Paramount's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Bonta accused Paramount of a "lack of good faith" and "playing games," specifically alleging the company leaked details from a previous meeting held last week. The cancellation occurs as Paramount has threatened to relocate its headquarters out of California if the antitrust case proceeds to trial next year.

   Why it matters

   The legal battle centers on a $110 billion merger that antitrust regulators argue could harm competition. California officials were reportedly open to a settlement that might include the sale of certain TV channels. Writers have also expressed opposition to the takeover.

   What is confirmed

   • California Attorney General Rob Bonta canceled the Monday meeting with Paramount representatives.
   • The meeting concerned a potential settlement for the $110 billion Paramount takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.
   • Bonta accused Paramount of leaking details from a meeting held the previous week.
   • Paramount has threatened to leave California if the antitrust case goes to trial next year.

   Still unconfirmed

   • California was planning to seek the sale of TV channels from the merged Paramount-Warner entity.

   What to watch next

   • Whether Paramount formally initiates a move to relocate its headquarters
   • A new court date for the antitrust trial if settlement talks remain frozen
   • Official response from Paramount regarding the leak allegations
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Variety — Paramount and State A.G. to Meet Monday to Discuss Settlement of Antitrust Case
   2. Politico — California, Paramount reps expected to meet Monday in antitrust settlement talks
   3. Los Angeles Times — Contributor: Why writers are fighting Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros.
   4. The New York Times — Paramount and California to Hold Preliminary Talks on Warner Bros. Deal
   5. WSJ — Paramount Prepares to Begin Early Settlement Talks With California Officials
   6. CNN — Paramount and state AGs will head to negotiating table in WBD merger fight
   7. CNBC — Paramount, California AG office reportedly plan to meet Monday to discuss settling WBD lawsuit
   8. Fox Business — Paramount, California AG to meet over possible settlement in $110B Warner Bros. Discovery merger lawsuit
   9. Yahoo Finance — PSKY-WBD Deal: California Governor Gavin Newsom Reportedly Open To Settlement, But Paramount Could Still Leave The State
   10. WSJ — Exclusive | California Expected to Seek TV Channel Sales From Paramount-Warner
   11. www.forbes.com — California AG Calls Off Paramount Antitrust Case Settlement Meeting—Alleging Leaks
   12. www.hollywoodreporter.com — California AG Calls Off Paramount-Warner Bros. Meeting, Accusing Company of “Playing Games”
   confidence 95%