Paramount and Warner Bros. Shares Rise on Report of Progress in Merger Settlement Talks

Shares of Paramount (NASDAQ:PSKY) and Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) rose in premarket trading on Monday after The Wall Street Journal reported progress in negotiations aimed at resolving legal opposition to their proposed $81 billion merger.

Paramount executives and a coalition of US states seeking to block the transaction held discussions over the weekend about a potential settlement, according to the report published on Sunday.

By 04:20 ET (08:20 GMT), Paramount shares had gained 6.3% in premarket trading, while Warner Bros. Discovery was up 7%.

No final agreement has been reached, and the terms of any settlement remain uncertain.

California Production Commitments Among Proposed Concessions

The negotiations reportedly include a proposed $1.5 billion commitment to film and television production in California.

Paramount could also agree not to sell either company’s studio lot and to maintain operations in the state, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The commitments follow reports that Paramount had previously considered relocating operations outside California amid opposition to the transaction.

The parties have also discussed enforcement measures linked to Paramount’s earlier pledge to produce 30 films annually after completing the merger.

One potential measure would require Paramount to divest its stake in Miramax, the studio associated with films including “Pulp Fiction”, if certain commitments were not met, the report said.

Other proposals under consideration include selling selected cable television channels.

CNN Editorial Independence Also Under Discussion

The negotiations reportedly extend to the establishment of a board designed to protect CNN’s editorial independence.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Paramount had considered creating such a body before the antitrust lawsuit was filed.

The proposed merger would bring HBO, CBS, CNN, multiple streaming services and major film studios under common ownership.

Paramount Chief Executive David Ellison has pursued the acquisition over the past year, but the transaction has encountered opposition from political figures and representatives of the entertainment industry.

In July, a coalition of 12 Democratic-led states, headed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the deal.

The states argue that the merger would excessively concentrate control of theatrical film and cable television markets. Those allegations remain contested as the parties continue settlement discussions.

Separately, the Writers Guild of America has filed a lawsuit opposing the transaction, arguing that combining the companies would reduce employment opportunities for Hollywood screenwriters.

The outcome of the negotiations remains unresolved, with any agreement dependent on the parties reaching acceptable terms.

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