(Bloomberg) -- Paramount Global should consider other proposals before merging with David Ellison’s Skydance Media, according to Ariel Investments founder John W. Rogers. 

A deal with Apollo Global Management Inc. and Sony Group Corp. could be a much better outcome for investors, Rogers, a major shareholder in Paramount, said in a Bloomberg Television interview on Tuesday. 

“That seems like a marriage made in heaven,” Rogers said. “We wouldn’t rush to the altar with a smaller company that’s not as proven.”

He also said the departure of Paramount Chief Executive Officer Bob Bakish was “shocking” and “disappointing,” especially while discussing a merger. 

Paramount, the parent of CBS, MTV and other media properties, is in exclusive talks with Skydance.

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