A federal court has scheduled a two-day settlement conference for late October in the ongoing antitrust dispute between Paramount and Warner Bros. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson will oversee the discussions, which represent a routine procedural step in civil litigation. The conference’s scheduling does not necessarily signal that the parties are close to reaching an agreement.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading the case on behalf of twelve states challenging the $111 billion merger, arguing it would harm competition in theatrical and cable television markets. Bonta has indicated willingness to settle but only if the agreement includes substantial structural remedies, such as the divestiture of significant company assets. Paramount had previously sought to finalize a deal before October 1, when it becomes obligated to pay Warner Bros. shareholders a daily fee of $7 million.
Recent settlement discussions between the parties deteriorated when Bonta canceled talks scheduled for late August, citing concerns that Paramount had disclosed confidential negotiation details to media outlets. Paramount denied the allegations and has since adopted a lower profile regarding settlement negotiations. A trial in the case is currently set for March 2027 in Oakland, though any settlement could potentially resolve the matter before then.
Originally reported by Variety →
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