Advertisement
UK markets closed

  • FTSE 100

    8,433.76
    +52.41 (+0.63%)
     

  • FTSE 250

    20,645.38
    +114.08 (+0.56%)
     

  • AIM

    789.87
    +6.17 (+0.79%)
     

  • GBP/EUR

    1.1622
    +0.0011 (+0.09%)
     

  • GBP/USD

    1.2525
    +0.0001 (+0.01%)
     

  • Bitcoin GBP

    48,572.91
    -1,644.28 (-3.27%)
     

  • CMC Crypto 200

    1,261.13
    -96.88 (-7.13%)
     

  • S&P 500

    5,222.68
    +8.60 (+0.16%)
     

  • DOW

    39,512.84
    +125.08 (+0.32%)
     

  • CRUDE OIL

    78.20
    -1.06 (-1.34%)
     

  • GOLD FUTURES

    2,366.90
    +26.60 (+1.14%)
     

  • NIKKEI 225

    38,229.11
    +155.13 (+0.41%)
     

  • HANG SENG

    18,963.68
    +425.87 (+2.30%)
     

  • DAX

    18,772.85
    +86.25 (+0.46%)
     

  • CAC 40

    8,219.14
    +31.49 (+0.38%)
     
MONEY:

Best savings accounts that offer above inflation rates

How to earn the most interest on your savings

Casino group Rank in merger talks with 888-Sunday Times

Reuters - UK Focus

LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - Casino operator Rank Holdings is in talks with online rival 888 Holdings about creating a 2 billion pounds ($2.6 billion) gambling group, the Sunday Times reported.

Discussions between the companies were "relatively advanced" and an announcement could be made on Monday, the newspaper said, citing sources.

A tie-up between the two groups would be the latest in a string of major deals in an industry consolidating in the face of tighter regulations and rising taxes.

British bookmakers Ladbrokes (LSE: LAD.L - news) and Gala Coral are awaiting clearance for 2.3 billion pound deal, while Paddy Power (EUREX: 27913021.EX - news) and Betfair agreed to join forces in September.

ADVERTISEMENT

888 had agreed to buy UK-listed Bwin.party last year, but it was jilted in favour of a higher offer from GVC Holdings (Xetra: 6GI.DE - news) .

A spokesman for Rank declined to comment. 888 did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ($1 = 0.7628 pounds) (Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)