(a) General rule.--A credit union subject to this title may merge or consolidate with other credit unions, with Federal credit unions, with out-of-State credit unions or with a combination of other credit unions, Federal credit unions and out-of-State credit unions to form a credit union, Federal credit union or out-of-State credit union.

(b) Approvals and conditions.--Before merging or consolidating, the credit unions involved must obtain prior approval from the department. In the case of a merger or consolidation with a Federal credit union, the merger or consolidation shall be made pursuant to Federal law in addition to the provisions of this title. In the case of a merger or consolidation with an out-of-State credit union, the merger or consolidation shall be made pursuant to the credit union law of the state of incorporation of the out-of-State credit union or, if credit unions incorporated in different states are involved, pursuant to the credit union laws of the various states of incorporation of the out-of-State credit unions in addition to the provisions of this title.