EU antitrust regulators are deciding if the Bunge-Vitera merger meets approval conditions by July 18. The companies announced the intention to merge last year, following a similar step taken by its competitors ADM and Cargill. If approved, the new agricultural entity will be worth USD 34 billion, Reuters reports.

After a preliminary review, the European Commission can green-light the deal with or without remedies. Alternatively, it can open a four-month investigation if serious concerns are noted. The deal also needs to meet regulatory approvals in North America, South America and China.

Bunge CEO, Greg Heckman, said the company may be able to avoid having to sell assets to win regulatory approval thanks to healthy competition in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, China and parts of Europe, the news agency adds, noting that the Canadian competition watchdog had “major concerns” over the merger.

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Bunge and Viterra to merge into USD 34 bn powerhouse

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