The Japanese Government has concluded a definitive agreement on the sale of NCB - NIPPON CREDIT BANK to a consortium led by the Internet shares investor SOFTBANK and comprising the insurance company TOKYO MARINE AND FIRE INSURANCE and the leasing company ORIX. SOFTBANK will take a 40 to 50% stake in the new NCB and its two partners will take a little less than 15% each. The remainder of the capital will be shared between regional and foreign banks that have begun talks with the consortium. See EI of 18 February.