Pub operator Greene King gets regulatory nod for merger with Ka-Shing's firm

(Reuters) - Greene King Plc <GNK.L> said on Thursday the European Commission has given the go-ahead for CK Asset <1113.HK>, a Hong Kong-listed company founded by the territory's richest man Li Ka-Shing, to acquire the British pubs operator.

The offer by CK Asset, whose founder ranks among Asia's best-known entrepreneurs, valued the brewer of Old Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale at 4.6 billion pounds as CK aims to boost its UK presence.

The merger is expected to close on Oct. 30.

(Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)