But Michael Marks, of Merrill Lynch, and Simon Robertson of Goldman Sachs, favoured a deal with the Germans.

ECONOMIST: The jilted exchange

The company also appointed a new chairman, Ian Davis, who will succeed Sir Simon Robertson following the annual general meeting on 2 May 2013.

BBC: Rolls-Royce profits and revenues rise

Simon Robertson quit as chairman of Kleinwort Benson after 34 years with the merchant bank, as Germany's Dresdner Bank took more control of its unit.

ECONOMIST: Renault retrenches

As it happens, a few hundred yards away is a more promising outfit: Rolls-Royce, an engine manufacturer for the aerospace, marine and energy sectors (its chairman, Sir Simon Robertson, also sits on the board of The Economist).

ECONOMIST: Manufacturing: A tale of two industries | The

The Stade Francais number eight is added to Saturday's 22, along with Rob Dewey, Max Evans, Mark Robertson, Nikki Walker, Simon Webster, Kelly Brown, Geoff Cross, Alastair Kellock and Alasdair Strokosch.

BBC: Lineen unhappy with Parks jeering