News Corp closes in on Dow Jones

NEW YORK - News Corp has reached a tentative deal to buy Dow Jones, whose board of directors has determined that it would be prepared to approve and recommend to stockholders, including the Bancroft family, a merger agreement.

No deal can become final unless first the full Dow Jones board and then the company's controlling Bancroft family each agree to its terms.

While the board is expected to sign off, the family's response is uncertain, although sources believe it is likely to accede.