Judge sets Friday hearing on states’ bid to pause Paramount merger
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A federal judge has scheduled a Friday hearing on an emergency request from 12 state attorneys general to temporarily stop Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The states want a temporary restraining order while their antitrust lawsuit continues, making the hearing an early test of whether the deal can stay on its current timetable. The case matters because it could delay or complicate a major media merger even though US federal regulators have already approved it.
The hearing is set for 10 a.m. Pacific Time before US District Judge P. Casey Pitts in San Jose, and Paramount must file its opposition by noon on Thursday. The states are asking the court to rule by 22 July, arguing that the companies could otherwise complete the transaction after that date. That timing is important because the European Union is expected to issue its own decision around the same period, while the US Justice Department has already cleared the merger.
- Judge to hear states’ bid to pause Paramount-WBD merger
- Twelve state attorneys general seek a temporary block
- Ruling could affect whether the deal closes on time
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Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are two large US media companies that own film studios, television networks and streaming services. Their proposed merger would bring together businesses behind brands including CBS, MTV, HBO, CNN and Warner Bros.
The deal is being challenged by 12 state attorneys general, who argue in an antitrust lawsuit that it could reduce competition in media markets. Antitrust laws are intended to prevent mergers that may give companies too much market power or leave consumers with fewer choices.
US federal regulators have cleared the transaction, but states can bring their own court challenge. A temporary restraining order is a short-term court order that can pause a deal while a judge considers the wider case.
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Originally published by Deadline as “Federal Court Hearing Set For State AGs’ Emergency Motion To Halt Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger”.