Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Delayed for Regulatory Review; Oregon Seeks Extended Inspection
July 9, 2026
Paramount’s $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery has been postponed beyond July 22 as regulators review the deal, with Oregon seeking a 60-day inspection period.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s office has asked a Multnomah County court to compel disclosure of records and push the closing date to allow independent evaluation.
Rayfield has filed a motion seeking a 60-day delay and for Paramount to hand over documents related to the merger, including lobbying materials and references to an internal effort dubbed “Project Warrior.”
The U.S. Department of Justice has previously suggested the merger could enhance competition and benefit consumers and workers, a point cited by supporters.
Paramount’s leadership includes connections to former Trump officials, and investor Larry Ellison’s ties to the president are noted in the context of lobbying activity.
To address EU competition concerns, Paramount has proposed remedies, such as abandoning its film distribution joint venture with Universal Pictures, which could facilitate European approval.
Regulators are intensifying scrutiny in both the United States and the European Union, with Paramount actively offering remedies and engaging regulators to advance the merger.
The European Commission is reviewing the merger alongside the U.S. efforts, and Paramount is proposing structural remedies to secure approval.
Analysts and investors are watching closely as negotiations and regulatory reviews unfold.
Paramount objects to subpoenas, arguing lobbying efforts are irrelevant to state antitrust concerns and seeking to limit the scope of discovery.
Paramount contends lobbying materials do not pertain to antitrust compliance and argues against broadening the court’s inquiry.
The DOJ’s position remains nuanced, with Oregon weighing DOJ clearance while citing a Wall Street Journal report about internal DOJ decisions that allegedly influenced the outcome.
Summary based on 8 sources
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Sources

Variety • Jul 8, 2026
Oregon A.G. Seeks Delay of Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger
The Edge Malaysia • Jul 8, 2026
Oregon to ask court to delay Paramount deal for 60 days while it reviews records
Investing.com • Jul 9, 2026
Paramount will not close its Warner Bros deal before July 22 amid Oregon probe