The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that Paramount Skydance has postponed its $81-billion (U.S.) buyout of Warner Bros. Discovery until next year as a judge reviews a challenge from 12 states aiming to block the deal. An Associated Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Paramount said it won't close the merger until a court ruling on the lawsuit or by June 1, 2027. A United States District Judge granted a temporary restraining order to freeze a merger transaction, citing "serious questions" and concerns about reduced competition. Paramount called Friday's agreement a "significant win because the result is exactly what we have sought from the outset: a direct path to a trial based on the evidence." The company added that this was the "fastest and clearest way" to prove its merger was good for competition and the wider industry. Twelve states, led by California, sued to prevent Paramount's buyout of Warner, claiming it would reduce competition in Hollywood and limit choices for consumers, especially moviegoers and cable customers. Paramount's illegal takeover of Warner Bros. harms everyone relying on a competitive entertainment industry, said New York Attorney-General Letitia James on Friday.