Ohio § 4905.48

§ 4905.48.

With the consent and approval of the public utilities commission: (A) Any two or more public utilities furnishing a like service or product and doing business

in the same municipal corporation or locality within this state, or any two or more

public utilities whose lines intersect or parallel each other within this state, may

enter into contracts with each other that will enable them to operate their lines

or plants in connection with each other. (B) Any public utility may purchase or lease the property, plant, or business of any

other such public utility. (C) Any such public utility may sell or lease its property or business to any other such

public utility. (D) Any such public utility may purchase the stock of any other such public utility. To obtain the consent and approval of the commission for such authority, a petition,

joint or otherwise, signed and verified by the president and the secretary of the

respective companies, clearly setting forth the object and purposes desired, and stating

whether or not it is for the purchase, sale, lease, or making of contracts, or for

any other purpose provided in this section, and also the terms and conditions of the

same, shall be filed with the commission.  If the commission deems it necessary, it shall, upon the filing of such petition,

fix a time and place for a hearing. If, after such hearing or in case no hearing is required, the commission is satisfied

that the prayer of such petition should be granted and the public will thereby be

furnished adequate service for a reasonable and just rate, rental, toll, or charge,

it shall make such order as it deems proper and the circumstances require, and thereupon

the things provided for in such order may be done.