Paramount and states may settle Warner Bros. deal dispute this weekend

Paramount and a group of states trying to block its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. could reach a settlement as soon as this weekend, according to sources familiar with the matter. The reported talks include possible terms such as independent monitoring of CNN and a commitment on the number of theatrical releases. California and 11 other states sued to stop the deal, arguing it would reduce competition in movies and television. The acquisition remains important to Paramount’s effort to compete with companies such as Netflix and Walt Disney. A settlement could also help Paramount avoid paying large fees to Warner Bros. shareholders if the deal closes after September 30. Shares of both companies rose in afterhours trading after the report.