The $111 billion bid for Warner Bros. clears the Justice Department's Antitrust Division hurdle

The Justice Department's Antitrust Division has cleared Paramount's $111 billion bid for Warner Bros. discover, paving the way for Paramount's path forward to combine with Warner Bros.

However, this latest development is far from the end of the legal scrutiny the megamerger is facing. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state attorneys general have indicated previously that they would move forward with lawsuits to block the deal.

Regulatory challenges ahead in the U.S. and abroad

The acquisition still faces challenges ahead, with several states, including New York,suggesting that they would also move forward with litigation to block the deal citing antitrust grounds.

Outside of the United States, the deal also has to clear regulations, which means that there could be potential challenges abroad. The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority has initiated their own investigation into the deal.

Industry concerns and consumer impact

There are also concerns that the deal would result in higher prices for consumers and various industry labor organizations have been vocal opponents of the deal .

The acquisition of Warner Bros. by Paramount will own should the WBD deal go through, which certainly calls into question what the deal could really mean not just for those working Hollywood, but for those who consume entertainment.

What's next for the Warner Bros . acquisition?

For now, the controversial acquisition will continue working its way through the various regulatory stops.