Sept. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Kevin Martin, chairman of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, said his agency plans to vote on Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s proposed $4.53 billion purchase of XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. in the fourth quarter.

Martin said the FCC is trying to meet its goal of deciding on pending mergers within 180 days. The agency began its XM- Sirius merger proceeding on June 8, which puts the FCC on schedule to rule by Dec. 6.

``That's our target,'' Martin said today while speaking to reporters. The agency has exceeded its 180-day guideline when reviewing large transactions.

The Justice Department's antitrust division must also approve the deal. The department is reviewing the merger and hasn't set a timetable for issuing a final decision. New York- based Sirius, the second-largest U.S. pay radio service, agreed to purchase larger competitor XM on Feb. 19, proposing to exchange 4.6 of its shares for each of XM.

Washington-based XM rose 42 cents to $13.62 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The stock has fallen 5.7 percent this year. Sirius, down 6.5 percent this year, rose 15 cents $3.31.

To contact the reporter on this story: Christopher Stern in Washington at cstern3@bloombeg.net

Last Updated: September 11, 2007 16:10 EDT