Paramount pauses Warner Bros deal pending antitrust trial

Paramount Skydance has agreed to pause its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery until a federal judge rules on an antitrust challenge by 12 US states led by California. The delay, filed in court on Friday, could cost Paramount up to $1.7 billion in fees if the deal is not closed by June 2027. The states argue the merger would stifle competition in Hollywood. A temporary restraining order had already frozen the deal.