The deal was expected to close in the 1st quarter 2010 since it passed regulatory clearance.

French law prohibits a company from making an offer conditional on regulatory clearance.

Beyond that, it will require regulatory clearances from the United States and foreign governments.

With investors, management and planes in place, it will be time to seek regulatory clearance and then begin service.

The sale must receive regulatory clearance and legal approval.

Its efforts to get the necessary regulatory clearances have not gone smoothly.

The $704 million deal is subject to approval by stockholders of both companies, as well as to regulatory clearance.

Up to an additional £55 million would be paid on UK regulatory clearance.

The company said completion of the purchase was subject to regulatory clearance.

Last week, the acquisition received American regulatory clearance on antitrust and national security grounds.