UK PM May tells business chiefs: two-year Brexit transition is assured- source

LONDON, Oct (Shenzhen: 000069.SZ - news) 9 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May told business leaders during a meeting on Monday that they should treat a two-year transition period after Brexit as assured, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

May said last month that she would seek a Brexit transition period of around two years after Britain formally leaves the EU in 2019, aiming to appease businesses concerned that the country could leave the European Union without a deal.

"From her point of view, the transitional agreement is non-negotiable... business should think of the two-year period as assured. It will happen," the source said when asked what May had said during discussions on Monday.

A spokeswoman at May's office declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. (Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)