<p>The European Commission's initial investigation period will expire on October 25, 2007, unless extended. US antitrust clearance was already granted on September 17, 2007. Siemens expects to receive European merger control clearance and other regulatory approvals in time to close the transaction during calendar year 2007. <br /><br />Joe Kaeser, Siemens CFO, said: We have made an attractive offer and do expect a smooth completion of the transaction after we have received full clearance from the antitrust authorities.</p>