A UK minister revealed that the government may intervene in Paramount's attempt to acquire Warner Bros., having already issued a letter asking the company to clarify concerns.
On Tuesday, 30 Jun 2026 GMT+7, the UK government disclosed its likelihood to oppose Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, potentially complicating the $110 billion merger deal.
Lisa Nandy, the UK's Secretary of State for Culture, stated in a release that she is "minded to intervene" in Paramount’s bid to acquire CNN, HBO, Warner Bros. film studios, and other Warner Bros. Discovery assets due to concerns about media diversity impacts.
"After discussions with relevant parties and independent review, my department today sent a letter on my behalf to the current owners and buyers of Warner Bros. Discovery to notify them that I am minded to intervene," Nandy said in the statement.
In the UK, the phrase "minded to" signals government officials' preliminary intention to act before formal legal procedures begin.
Nandy said she has not yet made a "final decision to intervene at this stage," allowing the companies one week to respond to her letter.
However, it is clear Nandy intends to intervene, which, if pursued, will pose a significant hurdle for Paramount. Ofcom, the UK media regulator, will be tasked with evaluating the deal in addition to the ongoing review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Nandy added that her intervention consideration focuses mainly on the public interest, including ensuring "sufficient diversity of views in print and news media" and guaranteeing "an adequate and appropriate number of persons controlling media businesses" to prevent monopolies.
A Paramount spokesperson told CNN they are confident their transaction proposal will not harm media diversity in the UK and remain optimistic about the transaction timeline.
Paramount expects the deal to be finalized in the third quarter of this year, meaning by the end of September, with corporate meetings on integrating Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery having taken place over several months.
EU regulators are also reviewing the deal but the European Commission is not expected to block it.
Paramount has cleared regulatory hurdles in several other countries, including the US, where the Department of Justice approved the deal in early June without imposing conditions.
However, opponents have accused Paramount of courting the Trump administration to secure favorable treatment from the Justice Department.
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Source:cnn