In a statement made on Tuesday, EU"s competition watchdog said the European Commission has decided to extend its review of a bid by Lufthansa to take over smaller Belgian rival Brussels Airlines.

The Commission confirmed that the deadline for its review of the deal was extended to 26th January from 12th January, with the total worth of the deal estimated at EUR250 million euros (USD$337 million). The commission said the move followed its interest to examine commitments targeted at remedying the concerns that the transaction might be anti-competitive.

The announcement was part of a daily list of mergers presently under review by the Commission, which supervises competition in the 27-country European Union. However, it declined to give any further details.

Announced in September, the acquisition would enable the German carrier to expand its flight network and add premium travellers.

Brussels Airlines would get logistics experience and a wide network in addition to a prime location where the European Union and NATO are based with the inclusion of many flights operated to and from Africa.

Lufthansa has revealed its plans to buy a 45 percent stake in the Belgian airline worth up to EUR65 million, with an option to buy the remaining from 2011.

The carrier said while the deal was announced that the total price would depend on performance-related factors and on 2010 results to start with.