Simon & Schuster's sale to Penguin Random House blocked, opening Paramount's books to new buyer

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Simon & Schuster could need buyer after Penguin Random House blocked

, author of Illustration: Allie Carl/AxiosExit Content Preview Simon & Schuster's future is now up in the air, which could open it up to acquisition talks. Driving the news: After considering the testimonies from the in August, a federal judge Monday Penguin Random House's acquisition of the rival publishing house. Why it matters: The decision aligns with the Biden administration's and sets a precedent for M&A at large.It also leaves Paramount Global, the owner of Simon & Schuster, without the $2.2 billion payday it had expected and with an asset it doesn't want. Catch up quick: A year ago, the Department of Justice alleging the deal violated antitrust law.The deal ⁠— ⁠— was part of Paramount's broader effort to offload non-core assets and focus on streaming. The judge ruled that the deal would "substantially lessen competition" for authors, meaning the combined company would act as a monopsony. What they're saying: Stephen King had a great Halloween. The author, who had testified against his own publisher, Monday, "The proposed merger was never about readers and writers; it was about preserving (and growing) PRH's market share. In other words: $$$." What's next: All three parties — Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and Paramount — issued separate statements Monday that they were seeking "an expedited appeal." Kerry's thought bubble: If an appeal isn't granted, Paramount will likely seek another buyer. But the ruling could dissuade another one of the Big 5 or any other book publisher from bidding. That signals an opportunity for private equity.

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