In addition to the filing of articles of merger and consolidation under Code Section 7-9-11.3, the parties to a merger or consolidation plan shall also file with the department:
(1) An application including any information desired by the department in order to evaluate the proposed merger or consolidation, which shall be made available in the form specified by the department;
(2) Applicable fees established by regulation of the department to defray the expenses of the investigation required by Code Section 7-9-11.5; and
(3) If the merger or consolidation involves the adoption of a new
name, a certificate issued by the Secretary of State reserving such name under Code Section 7-1-131.