Small shareholders in Egg, the internet bank owned by insurance mammoth Prudential, have failed to respond to the offer of a buy-back.

Prudential, which floated 21pc of Egg in 2000, launched its buyback, recommended by the bank’s board last year. The Pru now owns 96pc of Egg, which is enough to de-list the company on February 20. But about 20,000 small shareholders have yet to accept the deal.