The UK Competition and Markets Authority said on Wednesday it is currently considering whether the merger of betting companies GVC Holdings PLC and Ladbrokes Coral Group PLC will lead to a lessening of competition.The CMA has set a deadline of February 21 for comments, with a decision expected to be made on April 6.

In December, GVC agreed to acquire Ladbrokes Coral in a cash and stock deal worth GBP3.2 billion, where GVC shareholders will own 53.5% and Ladbrokes Coral 46.5% of the combined company.

The deal is expected to be completed late in the first quarter of 2018 or in the second quarter.

Shares in GVC Holdings were down 0.5% at 875.00 pence on Wednesday. Shares in Ladbrokes Coral were up 0.2% at 161.35 pence.