The U.S. Department of Justice sent a request to Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. asking for additional information in connection with the company's proposed merger with Tribune Media Co. The request was sent under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

The request would extend the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act until 30 days after both companies have substantially complied with the second request, unless the waiting period is terminated earlier by the DOJ or the parties voluntarily extend the time for closing.

Sinclair in May agreed to buy Tribune for $43.50 per share, constituting a total purchase price of about $3.9 billion, plus the assumption of about $2.7 billion in net debt. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.