Simon & Schuster could need buyer after Penguin Random House blocked

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 three-week trial in August, a federal judge Monday blocked Penguin Random House's acquisition of the rival publishing house.

Why it matters: The decision aligns with the Biden administration's push for antitrust enforcement 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 filed a lawsuit alleging the deal violated antitrust law.

• The deal ⁠— announced two years ago ⁠— 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, tweeted 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.