Radian Group clears antitrust hurdle for MGIC merger

April 9 (Reuters) - Diversified insurance and financial service company Radian Group Inc. (RDN.N) said the 30-day waiting period under the antitrust act for its merger with mortgage insurer MGIC Investment (MTG.N) has expired.

Radian and MGIC expect to complete the merger late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2007, Radian said in a statement.

MGIC plans to buy Radian for about $5.47 billion. (Reporting by Deepti Chaudhary in Bangalore) ((Editing by Anil Kumar; Reuters Messaging: deepti.chaudhary.reuters@reuters.net: within U.S. +1 646 223 8780; outside U.S. +91 80 4135 5800))