Paramount and Warner Bros. merger approved

Earlier this year, a number of Hollywood actors, directors and producers signed an open letter warning that the merger could lead to job losses, higher prices for consumers and a reduction in the number of new projects in development.

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Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock
Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

The US Department of Justice has given the green light for the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, despite strong opposition from parts of the film and television industry.

Negotiations over the future of Warner Bros. Studios have been ongoing for months, with Netflix at one point considered a leading takeover candidate. However, the company pulled out of talks in February, paving the way for Paramount Skydance to take over the major studio.

In April, Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved a $111 billion takeover that would give Paramount Skydance, backed by tech billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison, control of all Warner Bros. titles and channels, including the "Harry Potter" and "Game of Thrones" franchises, the HBO and CNN networks, DC Universe, and "The Lord of the Rings."

Now, the Justice Department's Antitrust Division has formally approved the deal, which was largely expected given US President Donald Trump's close ties to Larry Ellison.

"The department has completed its analysis of the proposed merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. and, based on evidence gathered during the investigation, has concluded that the transaction is unlikely to harm competition or American consumers," the statement said.

The Ministry assessed that the merger would not negatively impact competition in the areas of streaming, television broadcasting, film production and cinema distribution.

However, hundreds of entertainment figures have disputed that assessment. Earlier this year, a number of Hollywood actors, directors and producers signed an open letter warning that the merger could lead to job losses, higher prices for consumers and a reduction in the number of new projects in development.

The letter was signed by more than 4 people, including over 75 Oscar winners and nominees. Among them are Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, Pedro Pascal, Edward Norton, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Stewart, Bryan Cranston, David Fincher, Denis Villeneuve, Jane Fonda...

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