Oregon's attorney general has withdrawn its motion to block the closing of Paramount and Warner Bros.' merger, clearing a major legal hurdle for the $111 billion deal. The filing came Friday in Multnomah County Circuit Court, removing one of the last remaining state-level obstacles to the combination. The merger could now close as early as July 22.
Several states, including Oregon and California, continue investigating whether the deal violates antitrust laws. Oregon's decision to drop its delaying motion signals weakening state-level resistance, though California and other jurisdictions maintain their scrutiny of the combination.
The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger represents one of the largest media consolidations in years, combining two legacy Hollywood studios under a single corporate umbrella. The deal faced regulatory review from multiple angles, including federal scrutiny and individual state investigations. Oregon's withdrawal removes a procedural complication that could have extended the timeline.
The deal has moved toward closing despite broader industry concerns about consolidation in Hollywood. Investors have awaited regulatory clarity, and the removal of state-level delays shortens the path to completion. With the merger expected to close within weeks, both studios can proceed with integration planning.
The consolidation continues a wave of media industry reshuffling as traditional studios navigate streaming competition and audience fragmentation. Warner Bros. and Paramount each control significant content libraries, theatrical distribution networks, and streaming platforms, making their combination a major structural shift in how Hollywood operates.