Charter merges with Cox and Liberty Broadband, forming a dominant cable conglomerate

Charter Communications completed a $34.5 billion merger with Cox Communications and an acquisition of Liberty Broadband, forming the nation’s second-largest cable operator after Comcast. The FCC approved the transaction earlier this year, and the deal adds roughly six million Cox subscribers to Charter’s Spectrum footprint across 45 states. Company officials said the expanded scale will boost broadband, video entertainment and mobile offerings, and improve service quality for customers and communities.

Chris Winfrey, Charter’s president and CEO, emphasized better pricing and employee benefits, while Eric Zinterhofer noted his upcoming role as lead independent director. Liberty Broadband chair John Malone and new chairman Alex Taylor praised the partnership’s long-term value. Within twelve months the corporate name will change to Cox Communications, though the Spectrum brand will remain, and a free-year mobile promotion will be offered to former Cox internet customers.