EU antitrust regulators extend Fiat Chrysler-PSA merger probe

BRUSSELS -- European Union antitrust regulators have extended their investigation into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group's proposed merger to Nov. 13.

"The Commission extended the deadline in agreement with the parties," a European Commission spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

The Commission is the EU's competition enforcer.

The Commission launched a four-month long probe last month, concerned that the deal to create the world's fourth-biggest automaker may hurt competition in small vans in 14 EU countries and the U.K.

The move suggests that the companies will have to offer concessions to address the competition concerns. Antitrust authorities in the United States, China, Japan and Russia have already given the green light.

FCA's brands include Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and Maserati while PSA's brands include Peugeot, Citroen and Opel/Vauxhall.