LONDON, May 26 (Reuters) - Britain's competition watchdogsaid it was likely to give the go-ahead to pub group GreenKing's takeover of rival Spirit in light of anoffer by the former to sell a total of 16 pubs.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had earlier thismonth said it would undertake an in-depth investigation of the774 million pound deal unless the companies offered to disposeof pubs in a small number of areas where there was noalternative.
It said on Tuesday that the proposed disposals might beacceptable, and it would make a decision by July 21.
Of the 16 pubs identified to be sold, nine are Greene Kingpub and seven are Spirit, Green King said in a statement.
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by Sarah Young)