HBOS, the fourth-biggest bank in Britain, is planning tosell off between 10 and 15 retail branches in Ireland to third parties. This is according to an unsourced item in the Financial Times. HBOS said the outlets were not in suitable locations for banking, being on the outskirts of towns. It would reportedly retain its presence in those towns by seekingout alternatives. The properties were some of 54 acquired from the Electricity Supply Board several months ago for £83m.