A Nationsbank spokesman said the company had yet to decide about branch closings.

Mr. Kanas said the bank had not yet decided on branch closings.

The library association recently conducted a 50-state survey that found widespread reductions in hours and many branch closings.

The proposed combination has won support from government officials because it would not be likely to involve branch closings and mass layoffs, analysts said.

"There will not be layoffs associated with branch closings due to overlaps," she added.

No more branch closings are planned, Chase officials said.

Many companies are starting or accelerating cost-cutting programs, including layoffs and branch closings.

If more than 25 percent of a bank's branch closings are in low-income areas, the city will review whether to withdraw its funds.

Fears about branch closings are shared in many communities across the nation.

The branch closings will eliminate more than 1,300 jobs.