The EU competition enforcer can give the green light with or without demanding concessions or open a four-month long investigation if it has serious concerns.

The deal, the largest overseas acquisition by a Japanese company, would elevate the combined company into the list of the top 10 global drugmakers. It would be a leader in gastroenterology, neuroscience, oncology, rare diseases and blood-derived therapies used for serious conditions such as haemophilia.

Authorities in the United States, China and Brazil have already given unconditional approvals for the deal.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)