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TORONTO – The merger of the Whopper and the Timbit moved closer to reality on Thursday with the federal Industry Minister approving Burger King Worldwide Inc.’s $12.5 billion takeover of Tim Hortons Inc. But James Moore said he was granting permission only after the two restaurants agreed to a list of conditions from Ottawa that delved into operational and strategy decisions of the new company.

Stipulations about maintaining the coffee and doughnut chain’s Canadian identity ring loud and clear through Mr. Moore’s statement announcing the federal government’s assent to Burger King’s application under the Investment Canada Act. The two companies have agreed to not combine their brands at any locations in Canada or the United States in order “to manage Tim Hortons as a distinct brand.”

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Burger King made several promises to Ottawa to secure the deal, including a vow to keep “100% of existing employment levels” at Tim Hortons franchises across Canada; to keep a joint headquarters for the newly merged Tim Hortons and Burger King in the former’s current headquarters of Oakville, Ont. and to maintain “significant employment levels” at that facility; and to have Canadians make up at least 50% of the membership of Tim Hortons’ board of directors.