(1) The period for considering a merger notice is, subject as follows, the period of 20 days beginning with the first day after-
(a) the notice has been received by the OFT; and
(b) any fee payable by virtue of section 121 to the OFT in respect of the notice has been paid.
(2) Where no intervention notice is in force in relation to the matter concerned, the OFT may by notice to the person who gave the merger notice extend by a further 10 days the period for considering the merger notice.
(3) Where an intervention notice is in force in relation to the matter concerned and there has been no extension under subsection (2), the OFT may by notice to the person who gave the merger notice extend by a further 20 days the period for considering the merger notice.
(4) Where an intervention notice is in force in relation to the matter concerned and there has been an extension under subsection (2), the OFT may by notice to the person who gave the merger notice extend the period for considerin