Both companies confirmed that notifications have been filed with the competition authorities of the European Union, the United States, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Canon said that it expects to submit a request for approval of the offer to the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets before 8 February 2010.

Earlier this month, Canon acquired approximately 20% of Océ's share capital, with shares in the manufacturer rising marginally above the original €8.60 offer price following an objection from major shareholder Orbis.

Canon has made a €730m (£655m) cash offer for digital press manufacturer Océ with a view to creating "the number one presence" in the digital market.