The merger between Romanian-based banks Banca Comerciala Carpatica and Patria Banc remains on track to be finalized Feb. 1 after a minor delay.

An unfavorable court ruling regarding the merger delayed the process, which was originally approved in November.

"In the last six months, the two banks have made significant efforts to prepare for this merger and we are confident that the new bank resulting from the merger (will provide) our customers an attractive range of products and services, and shareholders' financial performance will be greatly improved," Bogdan Merfea, CEO of Patria Bank and a board member of Banca Carpatica, said. "This is to confirm to the clients of both banks that this delay occurred in the implementation of the merger and it will not affect the operations of the two banks in the immediate future. We continue to operate under normal conditions, providing further services to customers and best practices of the banking market."

All day-to-day business and services will remain the same for the banks and their customers until the merger is finalized.

A website offering real-time information about the merger and how it will affect customers is available for customers and interested parties at: https://fuziune.patriabank.ro/despre-fuziune.