RBS said to be seeking Coutts bids as early as this week

London

ROYAL Bank of Scotland Group plc (RBS) is seeking offers for its international private bank as soon as this week, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

About a dozen potential bidders for Coutts International have signed privacy agreements with Britain's largest taxpayer-owned lender, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the details are confidential. First-round offers are due around Dec 12 and the unit could fetch US$600-900 million, the person added. An RBS spokesman declined to comment.