The U.S. Department of Justice cleared Discovery Communications Inc.'s proposed acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive Inc.

The closing of the proposed transaction remains subject to completion of review in Ireland and other customary closing conditions, the company said Feb. 27. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter.

Until legal close, the companies will continue to operate as separate and independent entities.

The European Commission approved Discovery's proposed acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive earlier in February.