The original timetable had the deal slated to become effective on 10 March. The 23.00p a share offer values National World’s issued, and to be issued, share capital at £65.1m, or an enterprise value of around £52.1m taking into account £13m of cash on its balance sheet.

However, after Media Concierge and its takeover vehicle New Media Publishing submitted a notification to Irish authorities on 24 February, the necessary review into the takeover by the Republic of Ireland Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) could take 30 days.

Assuming phase one clearance is granted, a further notification must then also be sent to the Minister for Media in the Republic of Ireland.

A statement issued by National World said: “Given the uncertainties, a revised timetable will be issued as soon as practicable on the CCPC issuing a confirmation, at which stage timing will become clearer.

Advisers to Media Concierge and New Media Publishing are confident that phase one clearance will be issued and that the Minister for Media will approve the acquisition.

As such, the statutory period will now conclude on 24 March with the scheme expected to become effective by 30 April.

The ‘long stop’ date for the acquisition is unchanged at 18 June.

If there is a referral for a phase two investigation that would result in a further delay to the timetable.

Family-owned Media Concierge owns Dublin-based Iconic Media Group, which publishes regional newspapers and has 19 local websites in Ireland.

National World’s portfolio includes 17 titles and websites covering Northern Ireland, but does not have any titles in the ROI.