Paramount seeks mid-August delay of $111 billion Warner deal

In a significant legal development, Paramount has offered to voluntarily delay its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery until at least mid-August, as a coalition of 12 state attorneys general seeks to block the merger. The offer was made during a federal court hearing in Oakland, California, on Friday, July 17, 2026, as the company attempted to avoid a court-ordered temporary restraining order.

Federal District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín, who is overseeing the case, said she would decide by Wednesday, July 22, whether to grant the restraining order requested by the states. The states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed their antitrust lawsuit on Monday, July 13, arguing the merger would dramatically reshape Hollywood and harm competition. They allege the deal would violate the Clayton Antitrust Act by reducing competition in three specific markets: wide-release theatrical films, anticipated blockbuster films, and cable television, where the combined entity would own more than 50 channels.

During Friday's hearing, Paramount's lead antitrust attorney, Jeffrey L. Kessler, argued a restraining order was unnecessary and that the litigation...