Judge puts temporary pause on Paramount-Warner Bros. merger

A federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order halting the $110 billion Paramount-Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, granting a request from 12 state attorneys general who argue the merger would reduce competition in theatrical film distribution, top-grossing movie releases, and cable channel distribution. Paramount has already secured DOJ approval and faces a $600 million quarterly ticking fee if the deal isn't closed by 30 September, while the EU and UK are conducting separate reviews.

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