Part 3Mergers
Chapter 1Duty to make references
Duty to make references: anticipated mergers
F134ZEFast-track reference requests: procedure
(1)
This section applies where a fast-track reference request is made and not withdrawn.
(2)
Where the fast-track reference request is made before the beginning of the initial period, the CMA may, at any time before the beginning of that period, reject the request.
(3)
Where the CMA has not rejected the fast-track reference request in accordance with subsection (2), the CMA must, within the decision period, decide whether to accept the request in accordance with section 34ZF or reject the request.
(4)
Where the CMA accepts or rejects a fast-track reference request, the CMA must notify the persons carrying on the enterprises concerned that the request has been accepted or rejected.
(5)
In this section—
“decision period” means, in relation to the arrangements concerned—
(a)
in a case where the initial period has not begun, that period, or
(b)
in a case where the initial period has begun, the period beginning with the day on which the fast-track reference request is made and ending at the end of the initial period;
“initial period” has the meaning given by section 34ZA(3).