Thursday’s settlement is weaker than at least one antitrust expert expected based on the severity of the DOJ’s concerns. But it means the $3.3 billion merger is very likely to close next year.

UnitedHealth Group has agreed to sell off 164 hospice and home health locations to resolve U.S. antitrust concerns over its $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys , the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday.

Unitedhealth Group Inc. and home health and hospice care company Amedisys Inc. have reached a proposed a settlement with the US Justice Department in a lawsuit that challenged the companies’ $3.3 billion deal.