The Ministry of Finance plans to offer about 1 trillion yen to 1.4 trillion yen (S$12.3 billion to S$17.3 billion) of Japan Post Holdings shares to local and overseas investors by the end of September, the people said, asking not to be identified before the announcement. The process could be delayed if the situation in North Korea deteriorates further, they said. The ministry unveiled plans for the additional offering in January, before selecting underwriters including global coordinators Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Nomura Holdings Inc and Daiwa Securities Group Inc. Efforts to carry out the sale have been complicated by the company's April disclosure of a 400.3 billion-yen writedown on its investment in an Australian logistics firm, plus its decision to scrap plans to acquire Nomura's stake in a real estate company. Finance Minister Taro Aso said the ministry will monitor developments in the standoff with North Korea over its nuclear program.