DirecTV Acquires USSB

DirecTV parent Hughes Electronics has announced its intent to purchase longtime partner United States Satellite Broadcasting Corp. for $1.3 billion.The new DBS colossus will mean simplified service offerings and billings to subscribers. USSBís 20-plus premium movie channels will be consolidated with the 180-plus basic cable and PPV channels of DirecTV. Both companies were part of the same Direct Satellite System that was created in June 1994 with nearly all of USSBís subscribers already serviced by DirecTV.Commitments are in place for DirecTV to follow through on USSBís plans to offer (Time Warner) HBO programming in high-definition in 1999 in a package that includes DirecTVís own HDTV programming.The merger, which is subject to USSB shareholder approval and the receipt of appropriate regulatory and antitrust approvals, is expected to close in mid-1999.