B&B, which specialised in buy-to-let mortgages, was nationalised during the height of the crisis in 2008.

Its deposits and branches were sold to rival lender Abbey, part of Santander, whereas its loans remained with the government.

Sky said Osborne will announce the sale during his budget statement on Wednesday but the timing of the sale by auction was unclear with the broadcaster citing sources who said the process may not conclude for many months.

The Treasury (finance ministry) declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

(Reporting By Costas Pitas; Editing by Greg Mahlich)

Valeurs citées dans l'article : Banco Santander, S.A., Broadcaster Inc., AMP Limited, HIS, COSTAS