10th Feb 2015 14:10
LONDON (Alliance News) - Shares in 888 Holdings PLC surged higher on Tuesday afternoon after The Times reported the company has held talks with William Hill PLC over a possible takeover bid.
The paper said FTSE 250-listed William Hill has held advanced talks with its smaller, online gambling rival, as it seeks to accelerate the expansion of its online gaming operations and is understood to have reached a preliminary deal with 888 on a 210 pence per share deal, which would value 888 at GBP744.3 million.
But The Times said one of the founding families behind 888, understood to be the Shaked family, is holding out for 300 pence per share.
William Hill also is understood to have run the rule over Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PLC, its FTSE 250-listed peer.
888 shares were up 25% to 181.00 pence in early afternoon trade in London, comfortably the best performer in the FTSE All-Share. William Hill shares were down 1.2% to 385.00 pence.
By Sam Unsted; [email protected]; @SamUAtAlliance
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