David Ellison wants the groups challenging Paramount Skydance’s Warner Bros. Discovery deal — including California and 11 other states — to risk paying nearly $1.9 billion if they lose in court.
Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion acquisition of WBD is currently on hold following lawsuits from 12 states and the Writers Guild of America, which argue the merger could reduce competition.
A federal judge said the plaintiffs had raised “serious questions” about the deal and scheduled a trial for early March.
Paramount is now asking the court to require the challengers to post a $1.88 billion bond. If Paramount ultimately wins the case, the company could claim that money to cover losses linked to the delay.