--The EU's antitrust authority extended its investigation into Bayer's takeover of Monsanto by five days, Reuters reports, citing an EU statement.

--The EU did not state a reason for the extension to March 12 to deliver its verdict on the merger, which effectively gives Bayer a new deadline of midnight Feb. 5 to propose concessions such as asset sales, Reuters says.

--Bayer confirmed the extension but declined to comment, according to Reuters.

Full story: http://reut.rs/2GpdnnQ

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 29, 2018 12:29 ET (17:29 GMT)