The European Commission has cleared the proposed merger between Fyffes and its US banana rival, Chiquita Brands — removing any regulatory barriers to a deal being concluded before the end of the year.

Fyffes has said that an additional $20m (€15m) worth of synergies from its proposed merger with US fruit giant Chiquita have been identified.

Chiquita Brands International, owner of the namesake banana label, agreed to buy Ireland’s Fyffes to create the world’s biggest supplier of the fruit for about €407m.

KILFEACLE have gone clear at the top of the First Division of the Heineken Munster Junior League and their clash with second place Bruff in two weeks time, looks like having a big bearing on the destination of this season’s title.