In accordance with Part 3A of the Competition Act 2002 (the Act), as amended, the Minister was notified on 25 September 2018 of the proposed acquisition of the entire issued share capital of both Northern & Shell Network Limited and International Distribution 2018 Limited and 50% of the issued share capital of Independent Star Limited by Reach plc. In accordance with the Act, the department undertook a 'Phase 1' examination of the merger in order to determine its potential effect on the plurality of media in the state. As a result of this examination the Minister made a determination, on 3 December 2018, that the proposed media merger will not adversely affect the plurality of media in the state and, as such, that it may be put into effect.