European media executives have voiced support for David Ellison following the United Kingdom’s approval of the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a report from Variety.
The UK’s antitrust regulator cleared the deal on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, after the companies offered concessions to address competition concerns. The approval removes a major regulatory hurdle for the transaction, which would create one of the world’s largest entertainment conglomerates.
Variety reports that industry leaders across Europe rallied behind Ellison, Paramount’s chief executive, in the wake of the decision. The executives expressed confidence that the combined company would strengthen the broader media landscape, with one sentiment captured by Variety being that “the industry will be stronger” as a result of the merger.
The deal, first reported by multiple outlets including CNN, Bloomberg, and Axios, has been under scrutiny from regulators in several jurisdictions. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority had been reviewing the transaction for months before granting clearance. The Guardian noted that Paramount’s willingness to make concessions was a key factor in securing the UK’s approval.
The merger is expected to reshape the competitive dynamics of the streaming and film industries, bringing together Paramount’s film studio and streaming service with Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive library and HBO Max platform. The combined entity would rival industry leaders like Netflix and Disney in scale and content offerings.
With the UK now on board, attention turns to remaining regulatory approvals in other markets, including the United States, where the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice are still reviewing the deal. European media leaders are watching closely, with many expecting the merger to set a precedent for further consolidation in the sector.
