Hapag-Lloyd has said the finalisation of its merger with UASC will take a little longer than originally thought.

Both companies have extended the "long-stop date" from 31 March to 31 May.

They expect to close the combination in the weeks after the first date.

"All merger clearances and authority approvals as well as all necessary banking approvals from Hapag-Lloyd's side and substantially all banking approvals from UASC’s side have been obtained and the merger parties are arranging the final documentation for a closing of the business combination," Hapag said.

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