ArbuthnotBanking Group Plc's board decided to increase the interim dividendfor the first half to 13 pence per share from 12 pence per share in theyear-ago period.

The dividend will be paid Sept. 30 to shareholders on theregister Sept. 2.

The group said that the interim dividend comes on top of thespecial dividend of25 pence per ordinary share that will be paid July 27. The special dividend wasdeclared June 17.

The first-half profit attributable to equity holders of thecompany was reported at £163.8 million, compared to £6.5 million in the firsthalf of 2015.