WARSAWShareholders of Polish refiner PKN Orlen on Sept. 28 approved the takeover of gas company PGNiG, bringing the oil firm closer to becoming what the government says will be a national energy champion able to compete with global players.

Shareholders owning at least two-thirds of Orlen shares had to back the merger terms to approve it. It received 81.9% of votes in favor, results of the vote showed. PGNiG shareholders are due to vote on the merger next month.