CenturyTel purchase of Qwest likely to get approval from federal regulators

Regulators likely to okay Qwest, CenturyTel deal

WASHINGTON — Analysts say CenturyTel Inc.’s proposed purchase of Qwest Communications International Inc. is likely to be approved by federal regulators — perhaps with some conditions attached — because the companies operate mostly in different markets.

CenturyTel on Thursday announced plans to buy Qwest in a stock swap valued at $10.6 billion. The deal must be reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission and either the Justice Department or the Federal Trade Commission. State telecommunications regulators will also examine the transaction.

Analysts said that while federal regulators are unlikely to try to block the acquisition, they could require the companies to expand high-speed Internet service and meet other conditions.