June 22 (Reuters) – European Union competition authorities said on Tuesday they have opened an investigation into Swiss group Syngenta’s (SYNN.VX) proposed acquisition of the sunflower seed business of U.S. company Monsanto (MON.N).

“The Commission’s initial market investigation indicated potential competition concerns with respect to the breeding and commercialisation of sunflower seeds and sunflower seed treatment products in Europe,” the European Commission, which regulates EU-wide competition, said in a statement.

The Commission now has 90 working days to take a final decision on the proposed acquisition of Monsanto’s global sunflower seed operations.