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Lawmakers from the United States and the European Union have jointly raised antitrust concerns over Paramount Global's planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a letter obtained by CNBC. The letter, addressed to Paramount CEO David Ellison, argues that the combination of the two major Hollywood studios would significantly reduce competition in film, television, and streaming markets.
The signatories—including members of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee's antitrust subcommittee and their European Parliament counterparts—urged regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to conduct a thorough review of the transaction. They specifically cited risks to content diversity, independent production, and consumer choice in the rapidly consolidating media landscape.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery had previously announced an all-stock merger valued at tens of billions of dollars, aiming to create a media giant rivaling Disney and Netflix. However, the deal has faced growing scrutiny from competition authorities in the U.S., where the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice are already examining market concentration in streaming, and in the EU, where a formal in-depth investigation is expected.
The lawmakers' letter emphasizes that the combined entity would control a vast library of intellectual property, including major film franchises, television networks, and cable channels, potentially giving it outsized leverage over distributors, advertisers, and content creators. They also raised concerns about the impact on workers and local content mandates in Europe.
Neither Paramount nor Warner Bros. Discovery has publicly responded to the letter. Sources close to the companies have indicated they are prepared to negotiate remedies, including potential asset divestitures, to secure regulatory approval. The deal is expected to close by late 2026, pending antitrust clearance.
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Key Highlights
- Transatlantic regulatory pressure: The joint letter from U.S. and EU lawmakers signals a coordinated approach to antitrust enforcement in media, potentially setting a precedent for future large-scale cross-border mergers.
- Competition concerns: Lawmakers argue that a combined Paramount-WBD would dwarf many competitors in content production, distribution, and streaming, risking higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.
- Content diversity at risk: The letter highlights that the merger could reduce opportunities for independent studios and local content producers, particularly in European markets that rely on cultural diversity rules.
- Regulatory hurdles ahead: The deal faces antitrust reviews in both the U.S. and EU, with initial filings expected in the coming months. Regulators are likely to scrutinize market power in streaming, advertising, and linear television.
- Potential remedies: To address concerns, the companies may consider selling certain assets, such as specific cable networks or regional streaming rights, though no formal proposals have been made public.
- Broader industry implications: The outcome could influence the trajectory of media consolidation, with other potential mergers (e.g., in music and digital advertising) watching closely for regulatory guidance.
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Expert Insights
The parliamentary intervention adds a new layer of complexity to an already highly scrutinized transaction. Antitrust specialists note that while lawmakers do not directly control merger approvals, their public stance can pressure regulators to take a tougher line. Both the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the European Commission have recently signaled a more aggressive posture toward media deals, particularly those that create "platform gatekeepers" with significant market power.
From an investment perspective, the uncertainty surrounding regulatory outcomes could weigh on the stock prices of both Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery in the near term. Investors may factor in the possibility that the deal may be blocked or forced to accept significant concessions, reducing the expected synergies. However, the companies' combined content library and subscription base remain attractive assets, suggesting that any forced divestitures might still leave a viable post-merger entity.
Legal experts caution that a full remedy—such as a requirement to license certain content to competitors—could be a middle ground, but the lawmakers' language suggests they want to see a fundamental challenge to the merger's premise. The coming months will be critical as regulators publish their preliminary findings and the companies respond. For now, the deal's path remains uncertain, and market participants should monitor regulatory milestones closely.
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