Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommends that investors approve Warner Bros. Discovery’s proposed acquisition of Paramount Skydance.
The advisory firm strongly opposes a separate proposal for $1.35 billion in golden parachute payments for executives.
CEO David Zaslav is slated to receive an estimated $886 million payment upon the deal's completion.
This compensation includes a $335 million tax gross-up payment.
ISS labeled the tax coverage an extraordinary cost that deviates from common market practices.
No other executives involved in the transaction are receiving similar tax-related benefits.