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A financier who tried to broker an alternative deal to the proposed takeover of HBOS has conceded defeat. Jim Spowart, who founded Intelligent Finance and Standard Life Bank, blamed UK Government ministers and a series of leaks for ending his campaign to stop the Lloyds TSB deal going through.

‘Angry Spowart throws in the towel over HBOS merger
HBOS RIVAL BID: Scots financier says politicians have put ego before the welfare of the people and jobs. financier brokering a possible rival bid for HBOS has abandoned his campaign.

Financier admits defeat in HBOS bid (ic Lanarkshire)
A financier who tried to broker an alternative deal to the proposed takeover of HBOS has conceded his defeat. Jim Spowart, who founded Intelligent Finance and Standard Life Bank, blamed UK Government ministers and a series of leaks for ending his campaign to stop the Lloyds TSB deal going through.