United Airlines (Chicago) and Continental Airlines (Houston) have received unconditional clearance from the European Commission on the airlines’ proposed merger. The Commission noted its investigation found the proposed transaction would not raise any specific concerns in Europe or the trans-Atlantic market.

The companies announced their plans for an all-stock merger of equals in May and expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2010. United Airlines will be the surviving name while retaining the Continental Airlines livery.