03:32 PM EDT, 03/28/2025 (MT Newswires) -- BlackRock ( BLK )-led (BLK) investor group's potential deal to acquire two ports owned by CK Hutchison in Panama is likely to be delayed beyond its initial April 2 deadline, multiple media outlets reported Friday.

CK Hutchison will not proceed with the signing of the deal next week due to increasing pressure from the Chinese government over the previously announced $22.8 billion sale of dozens of global ports to the BlackRock ( BLK )-led investor group, South China Morning Post reported.

China's antitrust regulator said it will review the transaction to "protect fair competition and safeguard public interest," according to reports.

The Wall Street Journal cited some of the people familiar with the matter saying a regulatory review does not necessarily indicate the transaction would be canceled, while others expect a substantial delay or renegotiation of the deal.

BlackRock ( BLK ) declined to comment to MT Newswires, while CK Hutchison did not respond to a request for comment.

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