Samruk-Kazyna and National Bank refute possible merger of BTA with another bank

There are no plans of merging BTA with any other banks, Vice Chairman of the National Bank Bissengali Tadzhiyakov told journalists in Astana January 18, Newskaz.ru reports. Last week a number of media had reported that BTA might merge with another large bank. “BTA merging with another bank is out of question”, Mr. Tadzhiyakov said. According to him, situation with BTA will depend on decisions to be taken by the general meeting of shareholders January 26. A statement at the BTA official website reads that “the information on possible merger is far from what is actually happening”. “Samruk-Kazyna has no such plans. The Bank’s top management is having talks with GDR holders and creditors on possible debt restructuring. The general meeting of shareholders to consider the related issues will be held January 26”.