DirecTV and Dish are close to a merger deal, WSJ reports

DirecTV (T; TPG) is in advanced talks to acquire its satellite television competitor Dish (SATS), people familiar with the matter said, in a deal that could create one of the largest pay-TV distributors in the country after decades of failed merger attempts, Lauren Thomas, Miriam Gottfried and Drew FitzGerald of the Wall Street Journal report. A deal could be completed as early as Monday provided talks do not break down, the people said.