# Paramount clears antitrust hurdle to buy Warner Bros.

> A settlement with 12 US states removes the final major obstacle to the $11 billion merger.
- Title: Paramount clears antitrust hurdle to buy Warner Bros.
- Summary: A settlement with 12 US states removes the final major obstacle to the $11 billion merger. Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. will proceed after…
- Keywords: paramount, warner bros, acquisition, antitrust lawsuit, merger, cbs news, cnn, california, rob bonta, david ellison, writers guild of america, technology
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2264474/paramount-settles-us-state-antitrust-lawsuit-clearing-warner-bros-acquisition-plans
- Author: Mariella Moon
- Published: 2026-09-21T18:28:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: paramount, warner bros, acquisition, antitrust lawsuit, merger, cbs news, cnn, california, rob bonta, david ellison, writers guild of america, technology
## Paramount wins antitrust battle
Paramount has settled a lawsuit brought by 12 US states seeking to block its $11 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. The deal is now expected to close in early October.
## California led the opposition
California Attorney General Rob Bonta led the 12-state lawsuit to stop the merger. The settlement was announced at a press conference in Los Angeles.
## Paramount commits to editorial independence
As part of the settlement, Paramount agreed to establish an editorial independence board overseeing CBS News and CNN, and to release 30 theatrical movies annually.
## Writers Guild also settles
The Writers Guild of America settled its own lawsuit despite maintaining objections to the merger. Paramount agreed to prohibit writer layoffs at CBS News for 5 years and pay $17.5 million to the WGA health fund.

> the WGA must contend with the reality of forging ahead alone, with no backing from government enforcers
## Some states wanted more
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said he wanted full divestiture of CNN and CBS News to preserve independent journalism. He expressed disappointment that the federal government didn't enforce stronger remedies.

> Connecticut wanted and demanded full divestiture of CNN and CBS News
## Ellison gains control of major franchises
With the merger approved, Paramount chief David Ellison will control DC Comics, Harry Potter, and many other major entertainment franchises. Federal regulators and the EU have already approved the deal.
## Key takeaway

Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. will proceed after settling a state-led antitrust lawsuit, with the deal expected to close in early October.