Windstream, EarthLink secure regulatory approvals to complete merger

Windstream has received all of the state and federal regulatory approvals required for its acquisition of EarthLink, paving the way for the service provider to complete the deal in the first quarter. On Feb. 24, Windstream and EarthLink will each hold special meetings of their respective stockholders in connection with the merger. Windstream also announced that it will hold a conference call on March 1 to review the company's fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 earnings results. The companies first announced the all-stock deal last November. In January, the Federal Communications Commission announced it approved Windstream’s proposed acquisition of Windstream. At that time, the FCC said it did not receive any comments opposing the deal during the public comment period required by law.