It was announced in February that the two companies were to merge, creating a $3bn (£2bn) print group.

The deal was initially supposed to be completed by 23 October 2010, when the proposed merger reached its termination date, however negotiations are ongoing.

The two companies now have until 23 January 2011 to complete the deal, although both have said they expect completion to take place during 2010.

In May both companies were asked to supply additional information to the Federal Trade Commission, which will have aided the failure to meet the deadline.

RR Donnelley has a turnover of around $2.5bn, while Bowe would add a further $675m. The all-cash deal is valued at around $481m, or $11.50 per share.

Both RR Donnelley and Bowne have UK-based divisions, with turnovers of £280m and £20m respectively.