Judge Halts Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger

The ruling by a federal judge in California puts the mega-merger on hold while she considers a broader antitrust challenge brought by a coalition of 12 state attorneys general, led by California AG Rob Bonta.

The judge said the deal likely violates antitrust law.

The companies are prohibited from closing the transaction for 14 days, with a further hearing scheduled.

The merger would combine two of Hollywood’s biggest studios, and the court’s intervention is a significant victory for regulators.