(Reuters) - Sony Pictures is rethinking its bid for Paramount Global ( PARAA ), CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing sources, sending the shares of the U.S. media company down more than 7%.

Sony ( SONY ) and Paramount did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Reuters reported last week that Paramount was in talks to open its books to a consortium of Sony Pictures and buyout firm Apollo Global Management interested in acquiring the company for $26 billion.

A special committee of Paramount's board that is evaluating the company's options had allowed an exclusivity period to lapse in its deal discussions with Skydance earlier this month.

(Reporting by Manas Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)