EU antitrust authorities in Brussels are expected to issue astatement of objections to CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. and in June, regarding theproposed merger of their respective Italian units 3Italia and Wind TelecomunicazioniSpA, Bloomberg News reported April 27, citing three sourcesfamiliar with the matter.

The European Commission is an in-depth probe of theproposed joint venture over concerns of possible price increases and reducedchoices for customers.

If the merger pushes through, it will reduce Italy'soperators from four to three.

The EC is also studying Hutchison's plan to acquireTelefónica SA's O2unit in the U.K., and isexpected to veto thedeal soon.