In the immediate wake of the wic deal, Canadian Satellite Communications is merging with direct-to-home satellite operator Star Choice Communications.

If the agreement that splits wic among CanWest Global, Shaw Communications and Corus Entertainment is approved, Shaw will have both Star Choice and Cancom under its wing. As it stands, Shaw owns 49% of Star Choice and is set to acquire 54% of Cancom.

Also, Rogers Communications owns 21% of Cancom, which means two of Canada’s largest cablecos will be in business together to compete against bce’s ExpressVu.

The merger, expected to close in February, is subject to approval by Star Choice shareholders and the crtc. If okayed, Star Choice would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cancom and Star Choice shareholders will get one Cancom share for 4.8 Star Choice shares.