DOJ says states should post ‘proper bond’ in Paramount-Warner Bros. merger case

Published September 16, 2026 11:24am ET | Updated September 16, 2026 11:24am ET



The Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in the court case challenging the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the states suing to block the transaction should post a “proper bond” if they’re confident in their antitrust lawsuit.

Paramount is asking a federal judge in California to require the plaintiffs to post a $1.88 billion bond that would cover the entertainment company’s financial losses stemming from the blocked merger, should the defendant win the case. Paramount cites the bond requirement under Section 16 of the Clayton Act as the basis for its argument. The 12-state coalition, led by California, says it should be on the hook only for a “nominal bond” worth $10,000 at most.

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