DOJ is investigating if Netflix used anticompetitive tactics as part of its merger probe

"As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, the US Department of Justice has started its probe of Netflix's proposed purchase, but is notably interested in whether the streaming giant was involved in any anticompetitive practices. According to the civil subpoena seen by WSJ, the Justice Department is looking into any "exclusionary conduct on the part of Netflix that would reasonably appear capable of entrenching market or monopoly power.""

"While Netflix announced plans to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in December at a value of $82.7 billion, the deal was expected to close in 12 to 18 months, subject to required regulatory approvals. The DOJ has the power to block the transaction and this investigation could hint at the agency's approach, which may involve proving that Netflix put its competition at an unfair advantage."

"Netflix's attorney, Steven Sunshine, told WSJ that this probe was standard practice and that, "we have not been given any notice or seen any other sign that the DOJ is conducting a separate monopolization investigation." Netflix also said in a statement that it's "constructively engaging with the Department of Justice as part of the standard review of our proposed acquisition of Warner Bros." According to WSJ, the investigation is still in its early stages and could take up to a year to complete."

The US Department of Justice has opened a probe into Netflix's proposed $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, examining whether Netflix engaged in exclusionary or anticompetitive conduct capable of entrenching market or monopoly power. The planned transaction was announced in December and was expected to close within 12 to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals. The DOJ has authority to block the deal if it finds unlawful monopolization or unfairly advantaged conduct. Netflix has stated that the review is standard and that it is constructively engaging with the DOJ. The investigation remains in early stages and could take up to a year.

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