Malone on Ergen-omics

[Gregg Lengling]

Liberty Media Corp. CEO John Malone said he is rather amused by EchoStar Communications Corp. chairman Charlie Ergen's crumbling deal to take over DirecTV Inc.

"I think Charlie knew from the start he couldn't get it approved," said Malone, who had been backing News Corp.'s rival bid for DirecTV. "While [DirecTV is] trying to sell, Charlie has gained market share."

Malone said he expects Ergen to strive for long, long divorce proceedings to delay any consolation deal with News Corp.'s Rupert Murdoch.