Shares in Lloyds Banking Group were up on the FTSE 100 after reports that its private equity arm would be buying a stake in social housing contractor United House.
According to building.co.uk, Lloyds Development Capital is in the final stages of buying a minority stake in United House, which has a turnover of £190 million.
In 2008 Lloyds Development Capital also bought stakes in social housing companies Herbert T Forrest and Bullock for more than £100 million.
By 14:08 shares in Lloyds Banking Group were up 0.89 per cent to 55.76 pence per share.