• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, September 20, 2013

As expected, the Federal Trade Commission has cleared Nielsen's $1.3 billion acquisition of Arbitron. Nielsen said the settlement included a provision enabling “the continuation of a cross-platform project measuring TV, radio, PC, mobile and tablet engagement” launched last year by Arbitron, ESPN and Nielsen audience measurement rival comScore.

“In the event that an FTC-approved third-party elects to agree to licensing terms and other requirements, Nielsen would make available for license Arbitron PPM and related data as well as software and technology currently being used in the ESPN project for the sole purpose of cross-platform measurement for up to eight years,” Nielsen said in its statement.

“We are pleased to have the regulatory process behind us and are excited to be closing the Arbitron acquisition,” stated Nielsen CEO David Calhoun. “We are looking forward to providing all of the benefits of the combined company to our new clients in the radio industry and their advertisers, driving incremental value for them as well as our shareholders.”

The deal is expected to close on Sept. 30.