VTB Bank (public joint-stock company) (MISX:VTBR) is not expecting its merger to happen with its rival anytime soon. According to Reuters, the bank, considered to be Russia's second-largest lender, has been in talks to merge with state-run bank, Otkritie. However, the bank is not expecting the merger to happen before autumn because of procedural and other delays.

Both banks have been targeted by US sanctions. Many different options for the merger are also being considered, slowing down the process.