Oregon Attorney General Withdraws Request to Delay Paramount-Warner Merger

The Oregon attorney general’s office filed paperwork on Friday in Multnomah County Circuit Court withdrawing its request to extend the closing deadline for the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The transaction, valued at $111 billion, could be finalized as early as July 22, though several states continue antitrust investigations that could still result in an injunction.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield had asked for a 60-day extension, citing unresponsiveness from Paramount Skydance to records requests concerning the company’s lobbying of the White House and the Department of Justice. The state also sought documents related to “Project Warrior,” a code name for the effort to secure regulatory approval. A judge had set a hearing for the motion, but the withdrawal rendered the issue moot.

"We are pleased that the Oregon Attorney General has withdrawn its motion to delay this transaction," a Paramount spokesperson said, adding that the decision avoids an unnecessary delay to a lawful, pro-competitive merger.

Jenny Hansson, a spokeswoman for the AG’s office, indicated the agency is evaluating further actions. "Paramount made it clear that they weren’t going to comply with the investigative demand," she said, noting the office will consider its next steps.

Paramount, which is also seeking approval from the European Commission and the United Kingdom and has already received clearance from authorities in Australia, Canada and China, said global antitrust reviews have found no competition law violations. The company said the merger would create a stronger challenger to dominant streaming and technology platforms, expand consumer choice, increase investment in premium content and theatrical distribution, and generate more opportunities for creators and workers.