The OFT is scrutinising the deal to see if it could result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in the UK drinks industry.
The firms said in a joint statement: “[We] have been informed…that the OFT is extending the timetable for its decision on the merger as it has not yet completed its review.
“As a result, the timetable for the implementation of the merger is being extended and the anticipated effective date of the merger will no longer by January 30th 2013 as previously announced.”
Britvic and A.G. Barr are awaiting a revised target decision date from the OFT, which is expected to be in February.
The soft drinks firms claim that the merger will create one of the biggest soft drinks companies in Europe, with annual sales of over £1.5bn, and a portfolio of strong brands.
The boards of A.G. Barr and Britvic believe that the combined group will be able to achieve recurring annual cost synergies of approximately £35m through overhead savings, procurement savings and supply chain enhancements.
