The Competition Board conditionally approved the acquisition of sole control of Warner Bros Discovery Inc by Paramount Skydance Corporation, in line with the commitments submitted. In connection with the transaction, the Board identified competition concerns in the markets for theatrical film distribution, the wholesale supply of television channels, and subscription video-on-demand services (SVOD).
Paramount committed to terminating its shareholding in UIP Turkey and not establishing a joint film distribution structure with Universal in Turkey. It was also agreed that films would be licensed to third-party platforms after a three-year exclusivity period and that existing linear television contracts would be extended, upon request and under the same terms, through 31 December 2029. The Board concluded that the commitments were sufficient and proportionate to address the concerns.
Why it matters
The significance of the decision lies in the fact that the impact of a large-scale media merger on content access and distribution channels in Turkey is being limited through commitments. In terms of theatrical film distribution, Paramount’s termination of its shareholding in UIP Turkey directly addresses existing concerns in the market by preventing the establishment of a joint distribution structure with Universal. For viewers and competing platforms, the most critical element is the provision for content to be made available to third-party services after the three-year exclusivity period; this arrangement aims to reduce the risk of films remaining locked to a single platform for an extended period. For television channels, meanwhile, the ability to extend contracts under the same terms through 31 December 2029 ensures continuity in wholesale access. Thus, while clearing the merger, the approval introduces concrete limits aimed at protecting competitive conditions in Turkey.