Hercules Offshore acquisition of rigs clears antitrust hurdle

March 14 (Reuters) - Hercules Offshore Inc (HERO.O) said its proposed acquisition of three jackup drilling rigs from Transocean Inc (RIG.N) cleared an antitrust hurdle.

The company said the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

The company has already acquired the Adriatic III and the High Island I drilling rigs and related equipment for about $220 million, while the acquisition of the High Island VIII rig is expected to close in May for about $100 million . (Reporting by Avishek Mishra in Bangalore; Editing by Anthony Kurian)