HBOS Snapshot
HBOS is the name, mortgages the game -- that and insurance, banking, and asset management. One of the UK's top mortgage lenders, HBOS's far-flung empire spans the UK and Australia. It also offers corporate and retail banking in Canada, Europe, and the US. HBOS operates through five divisions: insurance and investment (40% of revenues), retail banking, corporate banking, international operations, and treasury and asset management. Holdings include life insurer St. James's Place (60% owned). Non-UK companies include Bank of Scotland (Ireland) and BankWest parent HBOS Australia. The UK government is taking a stake in HBOS and seven other banks, including Lloyds TSB, which agreed to buy HBOS in 2008.
