BANKING

First Bank Expects February Decision on First Interstate: The Minneapolis-based bank said it was told by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis that it can expect regulatory action on its planned purchase of First Interstate Bancorp by Feb. 12. First Bank System Inc., which is offering $9.9 billion for Los Angeles-based First Interstate, said the information received from the Fed branch shows it can complete a merger faster than Wells Fargo & Co., which is pursuing a $10.8-billion hostile bid for First Interstate.