BRUSSELS, Belgium — Bunge and Glencore-backed Viterra have offered concessions aimed at winning European Union antitrust approval for their US$34 billion merger, the European Commission website showed last week.
The companies announced their merger a year ago in a challenge to global giants Archer-Daniels-Midland and Cargill.
The commission, which did not provide details of the concessions in line with its policy, extended its deadline for a decision to Aug. 1 from July 18.
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A spokesperson for Bunge said the company was in constructive discussions with the commission and confirmed it offered concessions without specifying what they were.
“We are confident that the commitments we have offered address the areas of concern expressed by the commission, which are limited to specific markets,” the spokesperson said.
The commission is expected to seek feedback from rivals and customers before deciding whether to accept the concessions or demand more. It can open a four-month investigation if it has serious concerns.
The deal has triggered concerns from the Canadian competition watchdog and farm groups. It requires regulatory clearance in North America, South America and China.
