California AG Rob Bonta leads a push to block a potential merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charlie Gasparino analyzes the regulatory battle, while actor Mark Ruffalo urges officials to stop the deal.
California officials responded Wednesday to reports that Paramount is preparing to ditch the state, though the company declined to comment, and no official announcement has been made.
Officials inside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office and California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office were told Paramount planned to announce Tuesday that it was leaving the state, sources told TMZ.
The announcement never came, and the outlet said it was unclear whether the company changed course or merely delayed the decision. Separately, Politico is reporting that Paramount is actively looking for office space in Nashville.
Paramount declined to comment when reached by FOX Business.
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California officials responded after reports claimed Paramount is preparing to leave the state, though the company declined to comment and no official announcement has been made. (Noah Suave / Getty Images)
Bonta’s office told FOX Business it could not comment on Paramount’s plans but acknowledged that the company has repeatedly threatened to leave California.
“It’s no secret that Paramount has been making this threat, despite its alleged commitment to California and Hollywood,” Bonta’s office said in a statement. “What Paramount decides to do is Paramount’s choice alone.”
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The attorney general’s office said it will continue enforcing the law while remaining open to good-faith negotiations.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a multistate antitrust lawsuit seeking to block Paramount’s proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. (Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Bass’ office told FOX Business that the mayor remains focused on keeping entertainment jobs in the city.
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“Mayor Bass is focused on protecting and fighting for jobs in LA, including critical jobs in the entertainment industry that have been a vital part of Los Angeles’ economy,” her office said in a statement. “She’s been engaged on this issue and will continue to fight to make sure LA is home to Hollywood.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says she is focused on keeping entertainment industry jobs in Los Angeles and ensuring the city remains home to Hollywood. (Mario Tama / Getty Images)
The uncertainty comes as Paramount CEO David Ellison battles Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general over the company’s proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
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The states sued in July to block the media megadeal, arguing it would reduce competition and give the combined company excessive market power in film distribution and basic cable programming.
Ellison has reportedly threatened to move Paramount to Texas, Tennessee or Georgia if the legal battle is not resolved by Oct. 1. Settlement talks are ongoing. The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in March if a settlement is not reached.