Barclays to buy Lehman assets

British bank Barclays has agreed to buy at least some of the investment banking and trading operations of Lehman Brothers.

An announcement could come as early as tonight.

A source close to the talks confirmed media reports that Barclays president Robert Diamond had addressed Lehman investment bankers to inform them of his company’s intentions.

Lehman filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday.

Barclays withdrew from weekend talks to rescue Lehman through an outright acquisition.