(1) Chapter 1 of Part 3 of EA 2002 (mergers: duty to make references) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 39 (time-limits for investigations and reports) -

(a) before subsection (3) insert -

"(2A) Where the CMA and the persons carrying on the enterprises concerned agree -

(a) that the period within which a report under section 38 is to be prepared and published (the "original period") should be extended, and

(b) the duration of the period by which the original period should be extended (the "extension period"),

the CMA may extend the original period by the extension period.";

(b) in subsection (7), after "subsection" insert "(2A),";

(c) after that subsection insert -

"(7A) An extension under subsection (2A) continues in force until -

(a) the end of the extension period, or

(b) an earlier time if, before the end of that period -