EchoStar will acquire broadband satellite-technology company, Hughes Communications, for about $1.35 billion, The Wall Street Journal reports. The transaction’s value is expected to reach about $2 billion, after including Hughes’ debt.

Hughes’ satellite-based Internet technology can be merged with the video services EchoStar already offers through sister company, Dish Network. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. Colorado-based EchoStar was advised by Deutsche Bank, while Barclays Capital advised Maryland-based Hughes on the deal.

Click here for the story from The Wall Street Journal.

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