Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a formal investigation into Carlsberg's £3.3 billion takeover of J20 maker Britvic PLC (LSE:BVIC)
The watchdog had begun scrutinising the tie-up last month, having asked for input on how the deal would affect competition and consumers.
“The CMA has today issued a second invitation to comment, giving all interested third parties a further opportunity to submit views about the impact that the proposed merger could have on competition in the UK,” the regulator added on Wednesday.
A decision on whether to launch a phase-two investigation into the merger is due by December 18.
Britvic had agreed to the £3.3 billion deal in July, after rejecting an initial offer of £3.1 billion.
Carlsberg added at the time that it could save £100 million a year by integrating the two businesses.