Paramount may sell Universal Pictures JV to get EU nod for $110bn WBD deal

The proposal reportedly comes after talks with EU competition regulators on Tuesday

by e4m Staff
Published: Jun 25, 2026 11:34 AM | 1 min read

Paramount Skydance Corp is planning to sell its film distribution joint venture with Universal Pictures to address EU antitrust concerns related to its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.
The proposal follows discussions with EU competition regulators and is expected to be formally submitted next week, potentially extending the review deadline from July 7 to July 21.
Previous reports indicated that the acquisition might receive EU approval with limited conditions, but selling the joint venture is now viewed as a necessary step to alleviate concerns from European cinema operators.
The U.S. Department of Justice has already approved the deal, determining it unlikely to harm competition or consumers.

Paramount Skydance Corp is preparing to sell its film distribution joint venture with Universal Pictures in a move aimed at easing European Union antitrust concerns over its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O), according to media reports.

The proposal reportedly comes after talks with EU competition regulators on Tuesday and is expected to be formally submitted next week. If accepted, it would push the European Commission’s initial July 7 deadline for its review back by 10 working days, moving it to July 21.

Earlier media reports suggested that transaction was likely to gain EU approval with limited conditions, including the possible sale of smaller assets such as children’s channels. However, that option is now off the table as regulators have not raised concerns in that area. Instead, selling the joint film distribution venture with Universal is seen as a potential remedy to address worries raised by European cinema operators.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice cleared the deal last week, concluding it was unlikely to reduce competition or harm consumers.