Japanese giant Dentsu's £3.2bn takeover of media giant Aegis has been delayed until 2013 due to a patient and thorough clearance procedure by the Chinese ministry.

According to Campaign Magazine:
It is understood the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) has yet to accept formal notification of the combination, although discussions opened in August. From the point it accepts formal notification, it is believed Mofcom has up to 120 days to make a decision.

The deal has received clearance from all other markets and is now waiting for the Chinese authorities' satisfaction. China is the third-largest market in the world for advertising spend and is predicted to overtake Dentsu's home market of Japan in the next few years.

Aegis claimed that it and Dentsu "remain confident that the scheme (the transfer of ownership from Aegis shareholders to Dentsu) will become effective on or prior to 28 February 2013", and that it and Dentsu "remain in constructive dialogue with Mofcom".