London - Britain's Barclays bank, which had been among potential bidders for Lehman Brothers, said Monday it ruled out a bid which would not have been in the interest of shareholders.

In a statement in London, Barclays said, "We confirm that Barclays considered a combination with Lehman Brothers and did not proceed because it was not possible to conclude a transaction in the best interests of Barclays shareholders."

In Britain, Lehman employs around 5,000 staff at its regional headquarters in Canary Wharf, London, and at offices in High Wycombe, in the county of Buckinghamshire, north-west of London. (dpa)