PRESS DIGEST - Financial Times - April 21 =4

RBS POISED TO MAKE BOARDROOM PLEDGE

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is this week expected to try to appease investors angry with its decision to launch a rights issue to raise more than 10 billion pounds, with a pledge to strengthen its board of directors.

The bank is expected to announce a plan to strengthen its corporate governance by appointing several new non-executive directors, but will resist calls by some shareholders for the immediate resignation of Sir Fred Goodwin, chief executive, or Sir Tom McKillop, the chairman.

PETS AT HOME RULES OUT FLOAT AS LUXURY FISH TANK SALES SINK

The owners of Pets at Home, the national pet shop chain, have decided not to sell or float the business in the present economic conditions fearing that it would not attract a deserving price.

The majority owner since 2004, Bridgepoint [BRDG.UL], called in bankers last year to examine a possible sale, with a target price of about 650 million pounds.