T_R_Oglodyte
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Justice approves Delta-Northwest airline merger
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department has approved a much-anticipated merger between Delta and Northwest, clearing the way for the creation of the world's largest airline.
Federal regulators said Wednesday the merger would likely benefit consumers without substantially reducing competition.
Another hurdle remains ahead, however: a federal lawsuit seeking to block the deal. Trial is set for Nov. 5 in San Francisco.
The combined airline would be called Delta and keep its Atlanta headquarters and its chief executive, Richard Anderson.
Northwest would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta during the integration process.
Wednesday's decision caps a six-month Justice Department investigation of the deal.