gg2
California cancels Paramount-Warner talks
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
California AG Rob Bonta canceled Monday's Paramount settlement talks, accusing Paramount of bad faith. The $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery merger faces antitrust hurdles.
Background
California and 11 other states sued last month to block Paramount's proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing it would reduce competition in film distribution and cable TV. Settlement talks were scheduled to begin Monday, but Bonta canceled them, accusing Paramount of leaking and misrepresenting earlier discussions.
How it unfolded
- Feb 27, 2026Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery announced a $110.9 billion merger agreement.
- Jul 13, 2026California and 11 other states filed a lawsuit to block the merger on antitrust grounds.
- Aug 24, 2026California AG Rob Bonta canceled a scheduled settlement meeting with Paramount, accusing the company of bad faith.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- California AG Rob Bonta said Paramount leaked and misrepresented settlement discussions, showing a lack of good faith.
- Paramount
- Paramount had no immediate comment on the cancellation.
Still unverified
The specific details of what Paramount leaked or misrepresented have not been publicly disclosed.