Quoting sources familiar with the planned IPO, the report said that an IPO was still the preferred disposal method for 65% owner Allianz and MAN AG, which owns the remaining 35%.

Details of the reasons behind the decision to postpone the flotation were not cited, although the extreme volatility of the stock markets at present is thought to be a key factor.

Global stock markets have been plagued by uncertainty since the outbreak of the credit crunch last August. This uncertainty and nervousness among traders has seen wild fluctuations in share prices.

In addition, rival manufacturer Heidelberg’s shares have performed poorly over the past 12 months falling from a one year high of €40.98 (£32.84), to the current price of €15.66.

However, only two months ago, MAN Roland chief executive Gerd Finkbeiner was confident of pursuing the float despite the tough conditions.