Paramount agrees to delay closing on WBD deal amid state scrutiny

Paramount has agreed not to close its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery before July 22, 2026, giving Oregon officials more time as they seek records tied to their review of the transaction.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s office asked a Multnomah County court Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to order Paramount to turn over documents and delay the deal by 60 days while the state reviews them.

Paramount had previously told Oregon it would not close the deal before July 16, 2026. During a preliminary hearing Wednesday, the company extended that commitment to July 22, according to Rayfield’s office.

The Oregon review adds another potential complication to Paramount’s proposed acquisition of WBD, a transaction that would combine two major Hollywood studios and expand Paramount’s position across film, television, streaming and cable networks.

Several states have been reviewing the deal over competition concerns. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken a lead role in examining whether the transaction could violate antitrust laws, with Reuters reporting that states could sue as soon as next week to block the deal.

Paramount has argued the acquisition would help the company compete more effectively against larger streaming and technology rivals.

The company is also seeking regulatory clearance in Europe. Paramount has offered remedies to address European Commission competition concerns, including ending its film distribution joint venture with Universal Pictures, according to Reuters.

The European Commission has extended its deadline for a decision on the deal to July 22, 2026, from July 7, 2026, to review the proposed remedies.

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