Hanson announced plans to buy the £220m turnover business eight months ago and said that it aimed to strengthen its circular materials offer while complementing its existing aggregates and ready-mixed concrete businesses.

The material giant said the takeover would add a considerable recycling platform to Hanson’s portfolio, supporting the development of innovative technologies for processing waste and upgrading it for use in the construction cycle as a valuable material.

Mick George Group mainly operates in East Anglia and East Midlands and employs around 1,000 staff.

The company operates four recycling facilities, eight waste transfer stations, 11 aggregates quarries and 10 ready-mixed concrete plants.

Competition watchdog chiefs said they would now consider whether the transaction, if carried into effect, would result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK.

The investigation is at a preliminary stage with any interested parties being invited to submit views on the planned deal. Firms have until 17 August to make email submissions.