Oregon Attorney General Withdraws Request to Delay Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield withdrew a civil investigative demand that sought Paramount Pictures' records on federal lobbying related to its proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The withdrawal also includes a motion that had asked a Multnomah County circuit court judge to delay the closing of the transaction by 60 days so the requested documents could be reviewed. A hearing on the matter had been set for Monday.

Paramount said it welcomed the decision, stating the withdrawal avoids an unnecessary delay of a lawful, pro-competitive merger that has been cleared by antitrust authorities worldwide. The company added that the deal is expected to increase competition in streaming and technology markets, expand consumer choice, and create more opportunities for creators and workers.

Jenny Hansson, communications director for Rayfield, said Paramount had indicated it would not comply with the investigative demand and that the attorney general's office would consider further actions. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state attorneys general are reportedly reviewing the merger for possible legal challenges.

Rayfield's request targeted documents concerning lobbying of federal officials and a DOJ statement supporting the merger, including materials related to an internal project dubbed “Project Warrior.” Paramount objected, arguing the requests are overly burdensome, of marginal relevance, and unrelated to whether the acquisition violates Oregon antitrust law.