Paramount Skydance's $110 Billion WBD Deal Hits UK Regulatory Hurdle Despite US Approval

Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY ) faces potential regulatory opposition in the United Kingdom regarding its planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD ). British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said on Tuesday that she is “minded to intervene” in the transaction, citing concerns over its impact on domestic media diversity.

Media Plurality Concerns Prompt Government Action The proposed transaction involves the acquisition of CNN, HBO, the Warner Bros. movie studio and additional Warner Bros. Discovery assets. In a statement to CNN, Nandy confirmed that her department formally contacted the current and proposed owners.

Read Also: Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq Futures Gain As Trump Demands Lower Gas Prices 'Immediately'— Vishay Intertechnology, AeroVironment, Nike In Focus “Following engagement with the parties and independent research, my Department has today written to the current and proposed owners of Warner Bros Discovery on my behalf to inform them that I am minded to intervene,” Nandy stated. S. DOJ Clearance Contrasts With UK Review The UK development follows recent regulatory milestones for the merger in other jurisdictions. S.

Department of Justice Antitrust Division cleared the $110 billion deal without requiring divestitures or behavioral remedies. Regulators in Australia and New Zealand also approved the transaction. Alongside the Culture Secretary’s public interest review, the UK Competition and Markets Authority is conducting an independent investigation, with an August 7, deadline to determine if the case requires a phase-two review. Paramount Maintains Third-Quarter Closing Timeline Paramount continues to target a transaction closure by the third quarter of 2026.

Responding to the UK government statement on Tuesday, a Paramount spokesperson told CNN, “We are grateful for the continued constructive engagement with all interested government bodies and relevant authorities, including in the UK. ” Paramount did not immediately respond to request for comment. 81). The 20-day SMA sitting below the 50-day SMA, plus the 50-day below the 200-day, keeps the longer-term bias pointed down unless price can reclaim those mid-term averages.

87 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Pro data. Read Also: Trump Tariff Fears Spark Early Holiday Shipping Rush From China As Retailers Scramble For Inventory: Report Image via Shutterstock