New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has delayed its decision on Vodafone NZ’s proposed acquisition of TelstraClear from Telstra.

The regulator was expected to decide on the $840m deal before the weekend but has since delayed the deadline until October 23.

“It has been pushed back to allow more time for detailed analysis due to the number and technical complexities of the markets involved,” says a Commerce Commission spokesperson.

If the deal goes ahead it would end Telstra’s 22-year presence in the country and increase Vodafone’s standing against rivals Telecom.