In a joint announcement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the two companies said their bid had not yet received the required approvals from China's Ministry of Commerce despite having “diligently worked” towards getting them.
The bid had been accepted and was currently being analysed by the ministry, the companies said.
The extension of what is termed the “long stop date” allows the companies more negotiating time, though the companies will have the option to extend the date again.
China
