The trustees of GKN's pension schemes have agreed a package of mitigation measures that would improve funding to a "more prudent level" if Melrose's offer is accepted by shareholders next week.
Melrose has pledged to contribute up to £1bn to GKN's pension schemes as part of a final offer to acquire the engineering business.
GKN has announced plans to make a cash contribution of £160m into its defined benefit (DB) pension schemes as part of demerger plans designed to fend off a hostile takeover by Melrose Industries.
Melrose Industries's UK defined benefit (DB) schemes had a £5.5m combined deficit at the end of 2016, its annual results have revealed.
Engineering group GKN has announced it closed its two UK defined benefit (DB) schemes to future accrual on 1 July, after falls in bond yields increased liabilities in 2016.
GKN Group is considering issuing corporate bonds to plug the gap in its defined benefit (DB) schemes, according to reports.