It comes as Pars exclusive negotiating window withDavid EllisonsSkydanceis set to expire.
Paramount share are up more than 13% on the news.
Skydances exclusive window is set to run out tomorrow.
Paramount Sony
Shari Redstone is said to prefer the Ellison deal.
Paramounts board declined to engage with Apollo when it made a solo preliminary offer for the company.
Sony would need to sell the broadcast assets, splitting up the company.
Regulators would need to approve a merger of two remaining Hollywood studios.
A CEO trio is not considered feasible long term.
Bakish will remain in an advisory role through October.
