Any state chartered depository may purchase or otherwise acquire one or more foreign depositories to the same extent and in the same manner that a federally chartered depository having its principal office in this State may purchase or otherwise acquire one or more foreign depositories. This acquisition shall be subject to the approval of the commissioner, who in so doing shall apply standards similar to those to be applied by the applicable federal regulatory authority in the event of acquisition by a federal depository.
N.J.S. § 17:16J-14