A decision on whether Raiffeisen Bank International AG and parent will merge was postponed to the beginning of October, Reutersreported Sept. 21, citing bank statements and a company spokeswoman.

The long-mooted merger could help the two banks boost , but the spokeswomansaid significant issues need to be studied in detail, including surrounding thetwo banks' valuations. A final decision had been expected in the week of Sept.19, Reuters noted, but the banks' management boards said final results of theirevaluation of the plan would be available at the beginning of October.