The U.S. Department of Justice has completed its review of SES Global’s acquisition of New Skies Satellites, effectively giving permission for the deal to go through. The acquisition was announced on Dec.14, 2005.

The deal still has to receive the blessing of the FCC and Germany’s Federal Cartel Office to proceed, plus the backing of New Skies’ shareholders.

Notwithstanding, an SES Global news release said, “SES Global and New Skies anticipate closing in the Second Quarter of 2006, although it is possible that it could occur sooner or later than this.”