Two of the biggest names in the wireless PDA convergence space moved a step closer to merging Friday with an announcement from Milpitas, Calif.-based Palm that the antitrust waiting period for its purchase of Handspring had expired.

The expiration of the waiting period required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Anti-Trust Improvements Act clears the way for the closing of the $169 million stock swap deal hammered out between the former rivals earlier this year.

The acquisition is expected to close in the fall, subject to certain conditions, including approval from both companies' stockholders, Palm said in a brief statement.

Palm Solutions CEO Todd Bradley, who will lead the combined Palm/Handspring unit, said the passing of the antitrust waiting period clears the way for the creation of a firm providing the "broadest portfolio of mobile computing and communications solutions from the most-experienced leadership team in the industry."