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David Ellison’s endgame is in sight. Following a dramatic weekend of negotiations with a collection of state attorneys general and the WGA, the mogul’s path to combining Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery
is now clear.
In a Monday address to staff, Ellison said his team’s goal is to “close in approximately two weeks. That said, closing is really just the starting line. Bringing two companies this size together takes time, and we’ll share information as it becomes available.”
The mood is celebratory on the Paramount lot, insiders said, despite the fact that most of Hollywood is observing Yom Kippur (the most reverent of the Jewish High Holy Days). One source joked that several of Ellison’s top lieutenants will be making “guilt donations” to select charities for working through the day.
While brief, the memo focused on the combined power that “ParaBros” will now wield to provide jobs and increase content volume (a stark narrative shift from the previously opposed group of AGs, who said the merger would be anticompetitive).
“This is an exciting moment for our company and our industry. If you’re like me, you’re in this business because you love the art of visual storytelling – the chance to entertain, unite and inspire the world through extraordinary stories,” added Ellison. “Together, Paramount and WBD can do more of that, for audiences everywhere. And we can’t wait to get started.”
Read Ellison’s full memo to staff:
Team,
Just a few moments ago, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, on behalf of himself and 11 other State AGs, announced a settlement that clears the path forward on the lawsuit blocking our merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. We have also reached a settlement with the Writers Guild of America.
With both groups’ concerns now addressed, we have complete clearance for this merger and can move toward closing. There’s still work ahead to get this deal across the finish line, but we’re excited to bring these two iconic companies together, as it means more opportunity for our creatives, production crews and employees across the business, and more great entertainment for audiences everywhere.
We’re grateful to Attorney General Bonta and his fellow AGs, and to the WGA, for engaging in good faith to reach this resolution. The agreement includes a number of commitments, including 30+ films annually and expanded U.S. film production – meant to help revitalize our industry and support the people behind it, here at home. Since we launched this bid, our goal has been to build a stronger Hollywood: more stories told, greater choice for consumers, stronger competition. Combining these companies gives us the opportunity to do just that.
This is an exciting moment for our company and our industry. If you’re like me, you’re in this business because you love the art of visual storytelling – the chance to entertain, unite and inspire the world through extraordinary stories. Together, Paramount and WBD can do more of that, for audiences everywhere. And we can’t wait to get started.
I know you have questions about what happens next – your role, your team and how we will work day to day. We don’t have all the answers yet, and I won’t pretend otherwise. We are tentatively planning to close in approximately two weeks. That said, closing is really just the starting line. Bringing two companies this size together takes time, and we’ll share information as it becomes available. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please visit the Integration Hub, reach out to your manager or HR representative, or email internalcomms@paramount.com.
Thank you for your patience, commitment and hard work throughout this process. I know it’s created real uncertainty, and for some of you, real anxiety – that’s not lost on me. Our people are what make this company one of the best in the world, and I’m truly grateful for your dedication and support. I’m confident we’re going to build something special together in the years ahead.
Let’s go!
David
