A US judge temporarily halts Paramount Skydance’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) after issuing a temporary restraining order. The pause follows a legal challenge brought by California and 11 other states, which seek to block the merger. Under the court order, the deal is put on hold while the dispute proceeds, delaying the takeover. The decision reflects the states’ efforts to stop the transaction through the judicial process, arguing that the merger would raise antitrust concerns. Multiple outlets report that the ruling orders a delay rather than a permanent cancellation, meaning further court proceedings will determine whether the companies can proceed with the acquisition or whether additional remedies will be required. As a result, the transaction’s timeline is suspended while the court considers the states’ request for intervention and any subsequent legal arguments. The companies must wait for further guidance from the court on next steps.