Shareholders have approved Thomson's acquisition of Reuters, paidContent reported Wednesday.

Almost 99 percent of Thomson shareholders approved the merger.

The vote was just a formality, however, as Canada-based Thomson's Woodbridge Co. Ltd owns 70 percent of Thomson's shares, and already approved the merger.

In a separate meeting, Reuters shareholders also agreed to the US$15.8 billion buyout, according to paidContent.

The deal is expected to close by April 17.