The states, by themselves, do not have the authority to block the merger.

But several of the Bell companies said they would still try to block the merger.

And the same month, he blocked the merger of three major aluminum companies.

I'm glad these guys are getting grilled, but I have little hope that they'll actually block the merger.

He said Saudi efforts to block the merger prompted him to speed the move.

But the commission would be hard pressed to persuade a court to block the merger.

But the commission's threat to block the merger is not just a negotiating strategy.

Plus, there's a chance Congress will grow a backbone on this and block the merger.

The spokesman acknowledged that the authority "cannot actually block the merger."

"We have filed for intervention, not to block the merger, but to make sure our interests are protected."