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FedEx Corp. and TNT Express N.V. announced that European regulators won’t object to the companies’ $4.9 billion acquisition plan, a decision that removes a barrier to their deal.

Shareholders of TNT N.V., the Europe-based carrier that agreed to a $4.9 billion acquisition by FedEx Corp., have backed the terms of the deal, which FedEx said would increase package and freight competition.

Shareholders of TNT N.V., the Dutch carrier that agreed to a $4.9 billion acquisition by FedEx Corp., backed the terms of the deal, which the buyer said will increase package and freight competition.

UPS’ tie-up with TNT Express was blocked by the European Union two years ago. Now, the world’s biggest package delivery company wants EU to frustrate FedEx Corp.’s bid to run off with the Dutch rival it once courted.

FedEx Corp. last week took the next step in its planned $4.9 billion acquisition of Dutch package and freight company TNT N.V. by launching a tender offer for its shares.

The European Commission’s in-depth review of the $4.9 billion merger proposal from FedEx Corp. and TNT N.V. is set for a Jan. 13 decision.

FedEx Corp. and TNT N.V. said the U.S. company would begin a tender offer for the Dutch package and freight carrier’s shares on Aug. 24 to advance their planned $4.8 billion merger.

European Union antitrust regulators will decide by Jan. 13 instead of Dec. 8 whether to clear FedEx's $4.9 billion bid for Dutch rival TNT after the logistics companies asked for more time.

FedEx Corp. faces an in-depth probe into its bid to take over TNT Express NV just 2 1/2  years after European Union regulators thwarted UPS Inc.’s attempt to buy the Dutch company.

European Union antitrust regulators will decide Aug. 3 whether to clear FedEx’s $4.9 billion bid for TNT Express, Reuters reported.