AT&T says it’s “prepared to litigate” if US tries to block Time Warner deal

Enlarge / AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson speak onstage at The New York Times 2017 DealBook Conference on November 9, 2017 in New York City. (credit: Getty Images | Michael Cohen)

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson today said his company is ready to fight the Trump administration in court in order to complete its $85.4 billion purchase of Time Warner Inc.

The Department of Justice is reviewing AT&T's proposed acquisition of Time Warner and could file an antitrust lawsuit to block the deal or force AT&T to make concessions. Reports yesterday indicated that the DOJ is asking AT&T and Time Warner to sell off either CNN or DirecTV in order to win government approval of their merger (Time Warner owns CNN and AT&T owns DirecTV).

Stephenson cast some doubt on those reports today, but he also said AT&T is ready for a court battle. AT&T would still like to settle with the government if it can get a favorable deal, but the company will fight in court if the DOJ's demands are too high.

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