Charter and Cox Announce Major $34.5 Billion Merger

NEW YORK, NY — Charter Communications and Cox Communications announced a merger on Friday, valued at $34.5 billion. This agreement between two of the largest cable companies in the U.S. comes amid ongoing challenges in the cable industry, as many consumers switch to cheaper streaming options.

Charter, which operates under the Spectrum brand, aims to bolster its competitive edge against telecom giants like AT&T and T-Mobile. The merger seeks to enhance their ability to provide high-quality services as they face the decline of traditional pay-TV subscriptions.

“This combination will augment our ability to innovate and provide high-quality, competitively priced products, delivered with outstanding customer service, to millions of homes and businesses,” said Charter CEO Chris Winfrey.

The merger will see the combined company operate under the name Cox Communications, while Spectrum will remain the consumer-facing brand. Charter has been adapting its strategy, having added more mobile lines to offset losses in cable television subscribers.

Currently, Charter has over 30 million internet users and 12.7 million video subscribers. The deal allows both companies to build a more robust network that reaches approximately 70 million households across 46 states.

Cox Communications, the third-largest cable company, boasts more than 6.5 million customers and a strong presence from California to Virginia. The merger will also allow Cox to benefit from Charter’s infrastructure and innovation efforts.

The transaction requires regulatory approval and represents one of the largest mergers in recent history. After it closes, Charter’s headquarters will remain in Stamford, Connecticut, but a significant presence will also be established in Cox’s Atlanta campus.

Winfrey is expected to serve as the president and CEO of the combined company, while Cox CEO Alex Taylor will take on the role of chairman. The closing of the deal is anticipated to align with Charter’s earlier merger with Liberty Broadband, which received stockholder approval in February.