sentences:  The Ellesmere Canal and Chester Canal companies had amalgamated to become the Ellesmere and Chester Canal company in 1813, and on 8 May 1845, an Act of Parliament authorised amalgamation with the Birmingham and Liverpool Junction Canal.The Ellesmere and Chester name was retained for the joint company, but plans were already being made for the idea of the Shropshire Union Canal.By July, these plans had crystallised.