The proposed deal was announced last month. The enlarged Evri business would deliver at least 1bn parcels and 1bn business letters a year.

Germany-headquartered DHL Group would also take a significant minority stake in Evri as part of the deal.

The CMA is considering whether it is, or may be the case that this transaction would result in the creation of a “relevant merger situation” under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002.

And, if that is the case, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in “a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services”.

The CMA has issued a preliminary invitation to comment as part of its information gathering process. Interested parties should submit their views by 25 June.

The CMA has not launched a formal investigation as yet.