Charter Communications and Cox Communications, two major US cable companies, are merging in a $34.5 billion deal. Cox, currently privately held, will own roughly 23% of the combined entity, which will operate under the Cox Communications name and utilize the Spectrum brand. Charter's CEO, Chris Winfrey, will lead the merged company, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, while Alex Taylor of Cox will chair the board. The merger, expected to close simultaneously with Charter's acquisition of Liberty Broadband, significantly reshapes the cable industry landscape.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.