Royal Dutch Shell and BG Group announced their planned merger received unconditional approval Wednesday from the European Commission. The board of directors at Shell and BG Group issued a joint statement in April saying they’ve reached an agreement for the Dutch acquisition of its rival. The deal, valued at around $70 billion, is among the largest acquisitions since the Exxon Mobil merger was completed in 1999. It also comes at a time when most energy companies are streamlining capital expenses in a weak oil market. Both companies issued statements Wednesday saying the merger was approved by the European Commission, which found the combined corporate market share would be limited in terms of exploration and production despite the acquisition. When the deal was announced Helge Lund , chairman of BG Group, […]