Lafayette, La.-based LHC Group Inc. secured U.S. antitrust clearance for its all-stock merger with Louisville, Ky.-based Almost Family Inc.

The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act related to LHC Group's merger with Almost Family has expired, which means the transaction has received antitrust clearance.

The deal remains subject to other closing conditions, including stockholder approval. The companies expect the transaction to close at the end of the first quarter of 2018.

LHC Group provides nonacute healthcare services for hospitals and healthcare facilities, while Almost Family provides home healthcare services.