Tuesday, September 6, 2016 10:15 am

WILMINGTON, Delaware (From The News Journal) -- The European Commission, which is scrutinizing the proposed merger between DuPont and The Dow Chemical Co., has granted both companies a 10-day extension to complete its merger review.

With the extension, the European Union's decision on the deal could be delayed until early 2017. The European Commission had initiated a Phase II review of the merger on August 11, citing concerns the $130 billion deal could have on the competition in the region's agriculture market.

Extensions are a routine part of the review process, the companies said in similar filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DuPont spokesman Dan Turner said the companies are working with the European Commission to close the transaction by the end of 2016.

"This extension represents the latest date for the European Commission action under the updated timeline," Turner said. "In the event that the European Commission utilizes the full extension, closing would be expected to occur in the early part of 2017, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of all regulatory approvals."