US Authorities Near End of AT&T-DirecTV Review, Unlikely to Block Deal

The Justice Department and Federal Communications Commission have nearly wrapped up their reviews of AT&T’s $49 billion acquisition of DirecTV and aren’t likely to block what would be the biggest media deal of the past year, people familiar with the matter said.

The posture contrasts with the strong opposition from the agencies that killed Comcast’s $45 billion deal for Time Warner Cable. It also comes despite warnings from companies like Netflix that a combined AT&T and DirecTV would have the ability and incentive to squeeze online video rivals. Regulators could still decide to impose conditions on the deal, which would create the largest US pay TV company, but don’t appear to have serious concerns, the people said. Final approval could still be weeks away. The Justice Department hasn’t raised issues with the deal and doesn’t plan to block it, the people said. FCC staff are inclined to recommend the commission approve the deal with conditions, but none are expected to be unacceptable to AT&T, people familiar with the process have said.