The disposal will help restore RBS's finances, which need to be strengthened before the government can sell shares, it added.

RBS put Direct Line up for sale in 2008 after several unsolicited approaches, it said, but bidders fell short of the asking price.

RBS has appointed 11 investment banks to handle the offer, under which it is expected to sell 30% of the company to investors.

The roster of advisers is led by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and UBS, with support from Bank of AmericaMerrill Lynch, BNP Paribas, Citi, Commerzbank, HSBC, Investec, KBW and Royal Bank of Canada.

Blackstone, Bain and KKR were immediately unavailable for comment. Apax declined to comment.

Newspaper Web site: http://www.timesonline.co.uk

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