Judge Approves Settlement in Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal

A federal judge approved a settlement in the antitrust case over Paramount’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing the way for the companies to proceed with the merger. The transaction had not yet closed in the reports. Actor Mark Ruffalo renewed his opposition to the deal, saying it would harm creativity, free speech and jobs and that the movement against it would continue. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín approved the agreement resolving claims brought by a coalition of state attorneys general. The order allows Paramount to move toward completing the acquisition, but does not establish that the merger has been finalized. Reports put the deal’s value at either $110 billion or $111 billion, without reconciling the difference. Ruffalo made his comments in a social-media post after the ruling. He called the outcome disappointing and argued that the merger would cost people their jobs and weaken creative freedom. Those statements reflect his criticism of the transaction; the reports do not independently establish those predicted effects. Ruffalo also said opponents would continue their campaign. The settlement sets commitments for film releases.