PRESS DIGEST - British business press =6

CLOSE NAMES NEW FINANCE CHIEF

Jonathan Howell was on Monday named the finance director of investment bank Close Brothers CBG.L. Howell, currently the finance director at the London Stock Exchange (LSE.L), will take up the role in February. Chief executive of Close Brothers Colin Keogh said Howell would bring a wealth of experience and a fresh approach to the job.

SHIRE SELLS OFF NON-CORE DRUGS

Shire Pharmaceuticals (SHP.L), the UK's third-largest drug maker, is expected to raise some 105 million pounds in cash from the disposal of a portfolio of non-core drugs to the Spanish group Almirall. The drugs to be sold include the dermatological products Solasaze and Vaniqa and six other non-promoted drugs. The disposal will enable Shire to invest more in its core product range, including its ADHD treatment and human genetic therapies.

Prepared for Reuters by Durrants.