HBOS may still buy Northern and National Irish Bank

BANKING sources still insist Halifax Bank of Scotland will end up buying the Northern and National Irish Bank.

National Australia Bank (NAB) last week informed the stock exchange there that efforts to sell the non-core businesses would continue until early January.

Earlier this week HBOS confirmed it had pulled out of the bid process. It was not going back and would have to be approached by NAB if a deal is to be done, sources close to the company said.