HBOS, the UK listed bank, has reportedly appointed Deloitte to find buyers for its PaymentShield mortgage insurance arm. Potential buyers have been named as Aviva and Prudential, both UK-listed insurance firms. The value of PaymentShield is estimated to be £150m, which would increase when rights attached to the business are considered. The winning bidder would be able to underwrite policies sold by PaymentShield, although the sale might not proceed unless it attracts a sufficient number of offers. Profits for the company in 2005 were £11.5m.