The Government has signalled it could block Melrose's £8.1bn takeover of blue chip engineer GKN over security concerns, casting doubt on whether a line has been drawn under the acrimonious tussle.

The turnaround investor secured the aerospace and automotive parts company with its cash-and-shares offer, which went down to the 1pm deadline on Thursday for shareholders to vote.

Melrose won the backing of 52.43pc of investors for its cash and paper bid, which offered 1.69 shares in the combined business and an 81p payment. The deal gives existing GKN shareholders 60pc of the merged business.

However, although shareholders gave the deal the nod, some politicians voiced their opposition and called for the Government to step in to protect the company.

In response, Greg Clark, the Business Secretary, said the Government now has a "statutory responsibility to consider whether the merger in its proposed final form gives rise to public interest concerns in the areas of media plurality, financial stability and national security".

"This assessment will be made by the appropriate authorities and the conclusion set out in due course."