Cross Border Mergers Face Growing Scrutiny : Growing Contingent of Global Deal Cops Want a Say Over Transactions

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Two takeover deals have been delayed amid slower-than-expected government approvals, the latest sign of the regulatory hurdles facing companies pursuing global mergers.

French advertising company Publicis Groupe SA said Wednesday it would extend its offer to acquire Sapient Corp. as it awaits approval from U.S. national-security groups. Boston-based Sapient provides technology and other services to the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Homeland Security, among other U.S. government entities.

Limiting competition , in the name of promoting competition.