The oil and gas business of General Electric (GE) and Baker Hughes have completed their merger, GE has said in a press release.

The merger with the Texas-based oil services provider creates the first company that brings together industry-leading equipment, services and digital solutions across the entire spectrum of oil and gas development, according to GE.

The US justice department gave the merger the go-ahead in June. The marriage results in a new company called BHGE.

Jeff Immelt, BHGE's chairman and CEO, said: "This deal capitalizes on the current cycle in oil and gas while also strengthening our position for the market recovery."

GE has a 62.5 percent interest in BHGE and legacy Baker Hughes shareholders hold 37.5 percent.