The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is asking “interested parties” to comment on the forthcoming acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) by Paramount Skydance Corporation.
Following protracted negotiations and an intense bidding war over the winter, the deal is expected to proceed with Paramount offering $31 per share for the media giant earlier this year.
Should it receive regulatory approval, Paramount will acquire all of WBD’s assets, including TNT Sports in the UK.
Under UK competition regulations, the CMA has opened an inquiry into the acquisition and is inviting the submission of initial views on how the transaction might affect competition in the country.
The initial fact-finding stage requires written representations to be submitted by April 27th 2026, after which the CMA said it could launch a formal investigation into the deal.
The news follows an open letter signed by over 1,400 actors, directors and filmmakers, which was published yesterday.
“We are deeply concerned by indications of support for this merger that prioritise the interests of a small group of powerful stakeholders over the broader public good,” said the letter.
“The integrity, independence and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.”
