Merge/Combine two 'overlay' layers in GIMP

Question

Working on my image in GIMP, I have the following configuration:

Top Layer (Normal)
Layer 1 (Overlay)
Layer 2 (Overlay)
Background

Since Layer 1 and Layer 2 are both of the same blend mode and transparency I would like to 'combine' them into one layer; doing this however results in a very different effect to what I want. (Understandable when looking at the Overlay equation: http://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-concepts-layer-modes.html)

Is it possible to combine two layers, such that the effect of overlaying the resultant layer is equivalent to overlaying the first layer, then the second? If so, how do I do it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Sorry, but the answer is no as far as I know...

The only exception of course is when the two layers don't "overlap" one another (i.e. they don't have non transparent parts one above the other) - in that case change both layers to normal mode, merge them, and then change the merged result to be in overlay mode.