"The Commission is arguing that the combination of number 3 (T-Mobile NL) and number 4 (Tele2 NL) is likely to lead to price increases," Deutsche Telekom said in a statement, adding the companies involved disagreed with the Commission's concerns.

It said the companies would continue a constructive dialogue with the Commission and that they remained confident that the merger would be approved towards the end of the year.

(Reporting by Maria Sheahan; editing by Thomas Seythal)