The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will question Paramount Skydance on March 4 regarding its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The hearing focuses on the antitrust implications of merging these major film studios and streaming platforms.
Senator Elizabeth Warren characterized the deal as an antitrust disaster that threatens to increase consumer prices and reduce media choices. This federal scrutiny follows Netflix’s decision to withdraw its competing bid in late February.
S&P Global Ratings placed Paramount’s credit rating on a negative watch due to the significant debt required to fund the $111 billion transaction. PSKY shares declined on March 3 following the merger agreement and the subsequent credit outlook revision.