By Aditya Soni, Jaspreet Singh and Milana Vinn (Reuters) -Charter Communications on Friday agreed to buy privately held rival Cox Communications for $21.9 billion, combining two of the largest U.S. cable and broadband operators in their battle with streaming giants and mobile carriers.

Charter Communications today agreed to buy privately held rival Cox Communications for $21.9 billion, combining two of the largest U.S. cable and broadband operators in their battle with streaming giants and mobile carriers.

The two cable giants have agreed to merge in the first major media deal this year. Charter chief Chris Winfrey will lead a combined company, which will take on the Cox name.