Government OK With Liberty Purchase of Charter Stake

The Federal Trade Commission signaled it had no antitrust issues with Liberty Media's proposed purchase of a 27.3% stake in Charter Communications. The FTC, which teams with Justice to vet deals over a certain threshold -- Liberty's $2.6 billion offer easily cleared that hurdle -- for any competition issues. The notice means the FTC has concluded its review and finds no reasons to sue to block the deal or require conditions. Liberty becomes Charter's largest shareholder but not majority owner.