Paramount seeks $1.88 billion bond from state AGs to cover costs of WBD merger delay

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1. 28d ago

   Paramount seeks $1.88 billion bond from states over WBD merger delay

   Paramount is seeking a $1.88 billion bond from state attorneys general to cover costs related to the delay of its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The company is asking the states to shoulder the costs of the delayed merger, which has been held up by antitrust concerns. Paramount's request has been met with resistance from at least one state, with California's AG rejecting the bond request.

   Why it matters

   The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is a significant deal in the entertainment industry, with the two companies seeking to combine their assets and compete with other media giants. The delay in the merger has caused costs to mount for Paramount, which is now seeking compensation from the states that are reviewing the deal. The states have been scrutinizing the merger over antitrust concerns, which has led to the delay.

   What is confirmed

   • Paramount is seeking a $1.88 billion bond from state attorneys general to cover costs related to the delay of its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
   • The merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has been delayed due to antitrust concerns.
   • California's Attorney General has rejected Paramount's $1.88 billion bond request.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Paramount threatens to move out of California if states continue to block its Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

   What to watch next

   • The decision of other states on Paramount's bond request
   • The outcome of the antitrust review of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
   • Paramount's next steps if the merger is further delayed
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. CNBC — Paramount seeks $1.88 billion bond from state AGs to cover costs of WBD merger delay
   2. Sacramento Bee — Paramount asks judge to order states to cover costs of delayed Warner Bros. merger
   3. nytimes.com — Paramount Asks States to Shoulder Costs of Delaying Warner Bros. Deal
   4. Deadline — Paramount Demands Huge Bond From AGs & WGA Over Costs Of “Roadblock” Antitrust Suit On WBD Merger
   5. Variety — Noah Wyle on David Ellison's Threat to Move Paramount From California
   6. nytimes.com — David Ellison Floats Hollywood Exit as States Threaten His Warner Bros. Deal
   7. Variety — California A.G. Rejects $1.88 Billion Paramount Bond, Says Company Wants a ‘Do-Over’ on Merger Delay
   8. Los Angeles Times — Paramount demands $1.9 billion from states, citing Warner deal delays
   confidence 85%