transition period
(10) Special rules for acquisitions, dispositions, and similar transactions (A) In general An employer which fails to meet any applicable requirement by reason of an acquisition, disposition, or similar transaction shall not be treated as failing to meet such requirement during the transition period if— (i) the employer satisfies requirements similar to the requirements of section 410(b)(6)(C)(i)(II); and (ii) the qualified salary reduction arrangement maintained by the employer would satisfy the requirements of this subsection after the transaction if the employer which maintained the arrangement before the transaction had remained a separate employer. (B) Applicable requirement For purposes of this paragraph, the term “applicable requirement” means— (i) the requirement under paragraph (2)(A)(i) that an employer be an eligible employer; (ii) the requirement under paragraph (2)(D) that an arrangement be the only plan of an employer; and (iii) the participation requirements under paragraph (4). (C) Transition period For purposes of this paragraph, the term “transition period” means the period beginning on the date of any transaction described in subparagraph (A) and ending on the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which such transaction occurs.