The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been discussing with the two companies about extending the timeline for approving the deal, after an investigation was launched last month by EU regulators.
Reuters reported on the latest development, which follows the launch of an “in-depth investigation” by European antitrust regulators.
The European Commission said that “the transaction could eliminate an important competitor and reduce the choice of suitable suppliers in already concentrated markets, which could lead to price increases”. Australia, New Zealand and China have already approved the $6.3 billion (€5.5 billion) takeover.