The Competition Authority has given the go-ahead to Scottish Radio Holding's (SRH) takeover of Donegal's Highland Radio.
The matter has now been referred to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment for independent review. Media mergers are referred to the Minister under the Competition Act 2002.
Although the Competition Authority must make its determination based on competition issues, the Minister may make independent findings based on separate, non-competition, criteria.
If the Minister makes no order within 10 days, the determination of the authority stands.
Although approving the €7 million deal, the authority insisted Scottish Radio Holdings and Highland Radio cease participation in the advertising sales of Independent Radio Sales Ltd (IRS) within six months.
IRS sells advertising on behalf of local radio stations.
During the summer SRH was itself acquired by British media group Emap.