Panasonic expects China decision on Sanyo bid by Nov 3

TOKYO, Oct 29 - Japan's Panasonic Corp <6752.T> said on Thursday it expects a decision from antitrust regulators in China on its bid for Sanyo Electric Co Ltd <6764.T> by Nov. 3.

Panasonic said last December it would spend at least 400 billion yen to take control of the world's largest rechargeable battery maker and has been seeking approval from antimonopoly regulators worldwide.

After getting the green light from the EU, Japan and others, Panasonic is now awaiting approval from China and the United States before launching a tender offer for Sanyo.