Longtime business manager leaves Stones

London -- Prince Rupert Lowenstein, who became the Rolling Stones' financial manager when the band was being hounded for unpaid British taxes, is leaving his post.

Lowenstein turned the group into a major money-maker. In his 37 years at the financial helm, the Rolling Stones have made one billion pounds ($2 billion), The Times of London said.

The band issued a brief statement saying Lowenstein will not be replaced and will continue to provide investment advice to the Stones, The Guardian reported.

Lowenstein, an investment banker, had, by some accounts, never heard of the Stones when Mick Jagger asked him to provide guidance. At the time, the group was almost bankrupt with huge liabilities to Inland Revenue.

Jagger, now Sir Mick, is reputed to be worth more than 200 million pounds ($400 million).

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.