Charter Closes Acquisition of Rival Cox, Expanding Spectrum Pay-TV and Broadband to 45 States
Charter Communications has successfully closed its acquisition of Cox Enterprises, marking a significant milestone in the creation of a new cable and broadband giant.
The combined company will boast an impressive 38 million subscribers to video, internet, and wireless services, with the Spectrum brand set to be available in 45 states across the United States starting in September.
The acquisition, valued at $34.5 billion, was first proposed in May 2025 and has been months in the making. Charter’s shareholders had approved the transaction last July, and regulators had signed off earlier this year.
Alongside the Cox deal, Charter has also consummated its plan to acquire Liberty Broadband, a move that sees the transfer of assets controlled by media billionaire John Malone. Malone, who serves as the chairman of Liberty Broadband, expressed his enthusiasm for the deal, stating that it creates a stronger, more competitive company that will enable further investment and innovation.
Charter CEO Chris Winfrey hailed the addition of Cox to Spectrum’s footprint as a development that can be celebrated by customers, employees, and investors alike. Winfrey noted that the market has undergone significant changes over the past decade, with regional providers like Spectrum competing with national and even global connectivity and entertainment companies.
Following the close of the transactions, Alex Taylor has been appointed chairman of Charter’s board of directors, with Eric Zinterhofer named the lead independent director of the board. Cox Enterprises has also appointed Dallas Clement and Mark Greatrex to Charter’s 13-member board. Advance/Newhouse will retain its two board seats held by Steve Miron and Michael Newhouse.
As a result of the acquisition, Liberty Broadband no longer designates directors for election to the Charter board, a move that reflects the company’s reduced stake in Charter.
The combined company will offer a comprehensive range of services, including video, internet, and wireless solutions, to its vast customer base. With the Spectrum brand now available in 45 states, Charter is poised to become a major player in the US cable and broadband market.