§ 23-3-310 - Grounds for disapproval.
23-3-310. Grounds for disapproval.
The Arkansas Public Service Commission shall approve any merger or other acquisition of control referred to in 23-3-306 unless, after a public hearing thereon, it finds that one (1) or more of the following conditions will exist if the merger or other acquisition of control is consummated, in which event it shall disapprove the merger or acquisition of control and the merger or acquisition of control shall not be consummated:
(1) The acquisition of control would adversely affect the contractual obligations of the domestic public utility or of any person controlling the domestic public utility or the ability or commitment to continue to render the same level of service to its customers that the domestic public utility is currently rendering;
(2) The effect of the merger or other acquisition of control would be substantially to lessen competition in the furnishing of public utility service in this state;
(3) The financial condition of any acquiring party is such as might jeopardize the financial stability of the domestic public utility or any person controlling the domestic public utility or would otherwise prejudice the interest of the domestic public utility's customers;
(4) The plans or proposals which an acquiring party has to liquidate the public utility or any such controlling person, to sell its assets or a substantial part thereof, or to consolidate or merge it with any person, or to make any other material change in its investment policy, business or corporate structure, or management would be detrimental to the customers of the domestic public utility and not in the public interest; or
(5) The competence, experience, and integrity of those persons who would control the operation of the domestic public utility are such that it would not be in the interest of its customers and the public to permit the merger or other acquisition of control.