Reuters: US Asks Judge to Block Book Publisher Merger as Trial Closes

Penguin Random House lawyer Daniel Petrocelli delivered closing arguments today in the publisher’s defense against the DOJ’s challenge to its proposed merger with Simon & Schuster. Petrocelli argued that the deal would have “enormous benefits” for readers and authors alike. Author Stephen King testified for the government earlier in the trial and took issue with the publishers’ promise to allow Simon & Schuster imprints to continue to bid against Penguin Random House independently for books. Petrocelli contended that competition among imprints was “good for business” and “increases their chances of winning the book.” US District Judge Florence Pan is expected to issue a decision in the coming months.

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