PARAMOUNT GROUP DL -,01

Paramount is suspending the planned $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery until June 1, 2027 or until a federal judge rules on a lawsuit filed by state attorneys general. A judge had previously issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily halted the combination. Plaintiffs, including Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, warn the tie-up would substantially harm competition among major film distributors and cable network operators. » More on de.investing.com

A court has extended the forced pause on Paramount's takeover of Warner until August 17 so requests in the injunction proceedings can be reviewed. Twelve US states are suing over the more than $100 billion deal, citing competitive disadvantages especially in the theatrical and streaming markets. The Justice Department had previously approved the merger without conditions; markets reacted mixed, with Paramount down about 3.3% and Warner slightly up. » More on finanzen.net

The EU Commission has approved Paramount's acquisition of Warner Brothers subject to conditions for film distribution in Europe. Paramount must divest its stake in United International Pictures within the European Economic Area within 13 months, may not enter distribution agreements with Universal for ten years, and will be monitored by an independent trustee. In the US the deal is temporarily suspended by a court order after a lawsuit by state attorneys general, and the shares of both companies reacted positively. » More on finanzen.net