The European Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for the completion of its investigation into FedEx’s proposed acquisition of TNT.

The new deadline is 13 January compared with the original 7 December deadline. It came after the two operators requested more time.

Ricardo Cardoso, spokesman for competition policy of the EC, said:  "We can confirm that the deadline for the commission to decide on the proposed merger has been extended until 13 January.

"The parties have requested a 20 day extension for the phase II investigation, as they are entitled to do according to the merger regulation."

The investigation was announced last month, after the commission voiced concerns that the proposed takeover would give the merged entity an unfair market advantage.

It was concerned, said a spokesman, that the company would “face insufficient competitive restraints”.

However, FedEx told Motortransport.co.uk that it “remains confident that the combination of both companies will increase competition and create benefits for customers”.

Based on 2014 revenues, the merged company would generate global turnover of around £35bn.

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