U.S. Unsatisfied With Halliburton Merger Plan

U.S. antitrust officials aren’t satisfied with Halliburton Co.’s proposals for clearing its purchase of oil services rival Baker Hughes Inc. and don’t expect to make a decision until next year, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The companies previously agreed to an extension until Tuesday with the Justice Department over the proposed $26 billion merger. The U.S. antitrust officials aren’t obligated to complete their review by today, said the person, who declined to be named because the review is confidential.

The companies can’t close their deal because antitrust officials in Europe, Australia and Brazil are also reviewing how the merger of the world’s No. 2 and No. 3 oil-servicing companies could change the competitive landscape.

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