Chiquita Brands International (NYSE: CQB) and Fyffes Plc (ESM: FFY) today confirmed they are in discussions with European Commission regulators about offering concessions to allay concerns their proposed merger may reduce competition. 

Chiquita did not provide further details on the proposed concessions in a release, but did say they were not expected to have 'a material impact upon the commercial rationale' for the transaction.

It is the companies' hope the concessions will help them gain clearance for the merger by the Commission in its initial Phase I review period.

According to the news release, the review period is now automatically extended by 10 working days to October 3.

Chiquita added that while there could be no assurances, both companies remained of the view there was a 'good prospect' their proposed transaction would be cleared by the Commission during its Phase I review.

Last week the U.S. produce company announced it had signed a confidentiality agreement with two potential Brazilian buyers, the Safra Group and the Cutrale Group, opening the door for an acquisition.

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