Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has withdrawn a civil investigative demand and related court motion targeting Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Rayfield had sought records on Paramount’s federal lobbying activities tied to the deal, including its role in a Department of Justice statement and efforts under the internal name Project Warrior. The attorney general had also asked a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge to order the documents turned over and to delay the merger closing by 60 days.
A hearing on the motion had been set for Monday. Paramount objected to the requests, calling them disproportionate and irrelevant to any potential violation of Oregon antitrust law.
A Paramount spokesperson welcomed the withdrawal, calling it the right decision and describing the transaction as lawful and pro-competitive. Jenny Hansson, communications director for Rayfield, said the office would consider next steps after Paramount declined to comply.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state attorneys general are said to be considering a legal challenge to the transaction.