13 State AGs Sue to Block David Ellison's $111 Billion Warner Bros. Deal
Updated
Updated · Variety · Jul 14
13 State AGs Sue to Block David Ellison's $111 Billion Warner Bros. Deal
3 articles · Updated · Variety · Jul 14
Summary
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 12 other states sued Monday to stop David Ellison’s $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, arguing it would illegally reduce competition.
The complaint says the combined company would control 27% of wide-release theatrical distribution, 30% of anticipated blockbuster films and 27% of the basic cable bundle.
Bonta said the merger would mean higher prices, lower quality and less content for theaters, cable distributors and audiences, while Paramount called the case legally and factually flawed.
The challenge comes after the Justice Department approved the deal in March, creating a new obstacle for Ellison as Hollywood unions and some stars already oppose further media consolidation.