Oregon Attorney General Drops Motion to Delay Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

On July 10, 2026, the Oregon Attorney General’s Office withdrew its civil investigative demand and its motion to postpone the closing of Paramount Global’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The filing in Multnomah County Circuit Court removed the immediate 60-day delay the state had sought, allowing the $110-$111 billion transaction to proceed as early as July 22, 2026, pending other regulatory reviews.

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Paramount announced the merger in February 2026, triggering antitrust scrutiny from multiple U.S. states and foreign regulators. Oregon’s investigation focused on “Project Warrior,” the internal code name for Paramount’s effort to secure regulatory clearance, and on lobbying communications with the Trump administration. The state argued that Paramount’s refusal to produce the requested documents demonstrated a disregard for the law.

Deadline Hollywood

• Dan Rayfield – Attorney General of Oregon, who initiated the motion.

The Verge

• Jenny Hansson – Communications director for the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, spokesperson for the state’s position.

Reuters

• Paramount Global – Led by co-CEOs David Ellison and Larry Ellison, major supporters of former President Donald Trump.

The Verge

• Warner Bros. Discovery – Target of the acquisition.

Deadline Hollywood

• Rob Bonta – Attorney General of California, leading a separate antitrust probe.

Benzinga

• U.S. Department of Justice – Previously approved the merger in June 2026.

Oregon withdraws motion to delay Paramount’s $110bn Warner Bros deal, scrutiny continues

• February 2026 – Paramount announces intent to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

Deadline Hollywood

• June 2026 – Paramount receives a civil investigative demand from Oregon for records related to “Project Warrior.”

Deadline Hollywood

• July 5, 2026 – Rayfield files a motion in Multnomah County to delay the closing by 60 days and to compel document production.

The Wrap

• July 10, 2026 – Oregon withdraws both the investigative demand and the delay motion.

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• July 22, 2026 – Earliest possible closing date, subject to European Commission review.

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• Deal value: $110 billion (some reports cite $111 billion).

The Verge

• Paramount has already supplied 822,000 documents, with Warner Bros. Discovery providing an additional 1.2 million.

The Wrap

• The European Commission’s deadline for a Phase-1 decision is July 22, 2026, with a possible Phase-2 referral by August 7, 2026.

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The merger would combine two of Hollywood’s four major studios, creating one of the world’s largest entertainment conglomerates. Proponents argue it will increase competition against dominant streaming and technology platforms, expand consumer choice, and boost investment in premium content. Critics fear heightened market concentration, potential job losses, and reduced plurality in media ownership.

Oregon withdraws motion to delay Paramount’s $110bn Warner Bros deal, scrutiny continues

• The Oregon Department of Justice reiterated that Paramount “think[s] they’re above the law” and emphasized the state’s intent to protect Oregon taxpayers.

Benzinga

• Paramount’s spokesperson described the withdrawal as “the right decision” and called the merger “lawful” and “pro-competitive.”

Oregon withdraws motion to delay Paramount’s $110bn Warner Bros deal, scrutiny continues

• California Attorney General Rob Bonta signaled that his office continues to evaluate a possible antitrust challenge.

Benzinga

• The European Commission and regulators in Australia, Canada, China, and several European nations have either cleared the deal or concluded it does not breach competition laws.

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Actors, writers, and industry groups have voiced concerns that the consolidation could trigger significant job cuts and further concentrate power within the global media landscape. These stakeholders argue that the merger may diminish bargaining power for creators and reduce diversity of content.

Oregon withdraws motion to delay Paramount’s $110bn Warner Bros deal, scrutiny continues

• “Paramount made it clear that they weren’t going to comply with the investigative demand, and that they think they’re above the law.” — Jenny Hansson, Communications Director, Oregon Attorney General’s Office

Oregon withdraws motion to delay Paramount’s $110bn Warner Bros deal, scrutiny continues

• “We’re not going to let them waste Oregonians’ resources on these games.” — Jenny Hansson

The Verge

• “A Paramount spokesperson said, “We are pleased that the Oregon Attorney General has withdrawn its motion to delay this transaction.” — Paramount spokesperson

Deadline Hollywood

• “It was the right decision and avoids an unwarranted effort to delay a lawful, pro-competitive merger.” — Paramount spokesperson

Variety Magazine

• “That regulatory record underscores what the facts, the law and the economics make clear: this transaction will create a stronger challenger to dominant global streaming and technology platforms, expand consumer choice, increase investment in premium content and theatrical distribution, and create more opportunities for creators and workers.” — Paramount spokesperson

Deadline Hollywood

• “We've withdrawn the motion to consider our next steps,” — Oregon Department of Justice statement

Reuters

• California and other states may file antitrust lawsuits as early as next week.

Variety Magazine

• The European Commission will issue its final decision by July 22, 2026, with a possible Phase-2 investigation deadline of August 7, 2026.

The Wrap

• The U.S. Federal Communications Commission continues its foreign-investment review, though no timeline has been announced.

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