Amcor (ASX: AMC) and Berry Global Group are now one step closer to merger, having received US antitrust clearance for their combination.

The companies also confirm that a number of additional approvals have been received from regulatory authorities in recent weeks, including antitrust clearances from China and Brazil.

The businesses added that progress toward obtaining remaining regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions is well advanced, with the transaction expected to close in the middle of calendar year 2025.

The companies entered into a definitive merger agreement in November last year, pursuant to which Amcor and Berry will combine in an all-stock transaction.

At that time, Amcor said the combination brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer packaging solutions, with a broader flexible film and converted film offering for customers, a scaled containers and closures business and a unique global healthcare portfolio.

It added the combined company will have better innovation capabilities and scale, and be uniquely positioned to accelerate growth, solve customers’ and consumers’ sustainability needs, unlock portfolio transformation and deliver significant value to both sets of shareholders.