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888 in Talks with Ladbrokes
 November 26, 2006, 12:33 pm (4 years ago)Executives of the betting shop group flew to Israel over the weekend to discuss a takeover deal with 888 founders and controlling shareholders Avi and Aharon Shaked. The Shaked brothers together control 51% of the company after floating it on the London Stock Exchange last year and each selling shares worth £52m.
Ladbrokes, the UK's second-largest bookmaker, is in talks to buy the online poker and casino group 888 Holdings in a deal that could potentially be worth £470 million.
The discussions are believed to have been brokered by 888's outgoing chief executive, John Anderson, who is also a former Ladbrokes director. Ladbrokes issued a statement yesterday confirming it was, “in the early stages of reviewing a possible transaction involving 888. No decision has been made.” Reports over the weekend suggested 888 could fetch as much as £470m.
Shares in 888 jumped 9.25p to 119.75p in early trading this morning, an increase of over 8 percent. Ladbrokes were 2.75p higher at 412.75p.
The news will be a setback to rival online operator PartyGaming, who is also believed to be among 888's suitors, together with Las Vegas casino groups MGM and Harrah’s Entertainment. PartyGaming is now understood to be exploring a possible takeover of Austrian sports betting group Bwin.
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