The Principal Act is amended by the insertion of the following sections after section 18:

"18A. Power to require notification of below threshold mergers or acquisitions

(1) This section applies to a merger or acquisition that -

(a) is not required to be notified under section 18(1),

(b) has not been notified to the Commission under section 18(3) or 18(3A), and

(c) may, in the opinion of the Commission, have an effect on competition in markets for goods or services in the State.

(2) In relation to a merger or acquisition to which this section applies, the Commission may require, in accordance with subsection (3), each of the undertakings involved in the merger or acquisition to notify the Commission in writing, and provide full details, of the merger or acquisition and an undertaking of which such a requirement is made shall comply with the requirement.

(3) A requirement under subsection (2) shall -

(a) be made by notice in writing served on each of the undertakings involved in the merger or acquisition,

(b) specify a period within which the undertakings involved in the merger or acquisition shall submit a notification to the Commission, and

(c) be made by the Commission no later than 60 working days after the earliest of the following dates: