Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. and Dow Jones & Co. have cleared an antitrust waiting period early, which satisfies one of the conditions to closing the $5.6 billion buy-out deal.

The Premerger Notification Office of the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period, which is part of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, on Tuesday. Ending the waiting period means News Corp. is one step closer to owning Dow Jones.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter this year, but must clear other regulatory hurdles first, which must be approved by Dow Jones stockholders, Editor & Publisher reported.

Dow Jones agreed to News Corp.'s takeover bid Aug. 1.