In T 1535/14 the board held that the reasons put forward, namely the existence of ongoing merger proceedings between both parties, did not prevent the parties attending the oral proceedings, but rather concerned their economic interests. Since both parties were appellants it appeared likely that oral proceedings would have to be held even in the event of the merger taking place. Postponement would be against procedural efficiency.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/caselaw/2019/e/clr_iii_c_6_1_4_m.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021