Liberty deal for DirecTV clears hurdle

Liberty Media Corp.’s proposed purchase of a controlling stake in El Segundo-based DirecTV Group Inc. cleared its last major regulatory hurdle as U.S. antitrust officials said they wouldn’t block the $12-billion deal.

A probe didn’t support action against the transaction, Justice Department spokeswoman Gina Talamona said.

The Federal Communications Commission put conditions on the deal, requiring Liberty Chairman John Malone to sell one of the two TV services he controls in Puerto Rico, or insulate himself from the day-to-day management there.