Justice Department backs requiring states to post bond in Paramount antitrust challenge

The short version

• The Justice Department urged a federal judge to require a 12-state coalition led by California to post a bond to account for damages caused by delaying the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Paramount is seeking a $1.88 billion bond to offset potential losses and investor payouts if it wins at trial.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• A trial is scheduled for March, pushing the deal's closing past late September, with a court hearing on the bond issue set for September 24.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]

Key facts

• The Justice Department filed a statement of interest asserting that 12 states led by California must post an adequate bond covering potential damages from halting the merger.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• Paramount requested a $1.88 billion bond to cover potential losses and payouts if it ultimately wins the case.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
• The Justice Department cleared the Paramount-Warner Bros. transaction in June and published a detailed statement supporting it.[Variety]
• The merger trial is scheduled for March, pushing closing past CEO David Ellison's late September target, and a bond hearing is set for September 24.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Justice Department Sides With Paramount on Demand That States Post $1.88 Billion BondThe Hollywood Reporter metered
• DOJ Takes Paramount’s Side Against States in Fight Over $1.9 Billion BondVariety metered