In October 2015, following approval of the deal by China's Ministry of Commerce, the merger awaited approval by French regulators. The merger closed on 14 January 2016, but was not complete until 3 November 2016.
On 16 November 2016, Macron formally declared his candidacy for the French presidency after months of speculation. In his announcement speech, Macron called for a "democratic revolution" and promised to "unblock France".