The Chester and Holyhead Railway Act of 23 July 1858 allowed the financial support of the C&HR by the LNWR and "enabled" contractual arrangements, but did not "require" them. Activation of these clauses would allow running powers for competing companies, and the LNWR declined to enter into that, leaving the C&HR still in suspense. The C&HR decided to apply for powers to merge with any other company whatever, and this finally forced the LNWR's hand into full amalgamation. This took effect on 1 January 1859. (The C&HR Company remained in existence until it was dissolved by the LNWR (Additional Powers) Act of 21 July 1879.)