The FTC today approved Google's $3.1 billion merger with DoubleClick, despite a menagerie of complaints from competitors, privacy advocates and politicians, in addition to hold-ups abroad.

The vote fell 4-1 among regulators.

"After carefully reviewing the evidence, we have concluded that Google's proposed acquisition of DoubleClick is unlikely to substantially lessen competition" in online advertising, reads the majority statement from FTC commissioners.

Commissioner Pamela Jones Harbour expressed solitary dissent, citing concerns about "the transformative role the combined Google/DoubleClick will play if the proposed acquisition is consummated."

FTC approval was expected amongst antitrust experts. The European Commission, which is still deciding, will cast its vote by April 2, 2008, reports the Wall Street Journal.

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