Nov. 1, 2009 (United Press International) -- Japan's Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) will launch its tender offer for fellow Japanese firm Sanyo Electric Co. (OOTC:SANYY) this week, industry sources say.

Citing unnamed sources, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported Sunday that Panasonic's leadership is set to make the long-anticipated move now because it has been all but assured of clearing a U.S. antitrust probe.

The sources said Washington is expected to approve the Panasonic Sanyo merger, and Chinese officials have already given their blessing. Kyodo said Panasonic will call a board meeting Wednesday to set the final timing of the offer.

The news agency said Panasonic President Fumio Otsubo hinted Friday during his earnings announcement that the merger was set to clear its final regulatory hurdles.

"The mountain's summit, which is the final solution (of the antitrust examinations), has come into sight," Otsubo reportedly said. "We will make a decision by taking into account how far U.S. examiners will proceed" in their antitrust probe.