Deal crowns UK as betting M&A hotspot
THE UK has become the biggest hub for gambling M&A this year in the wake of yesterday’s deal, new figures show.
About $6.8bn (£4.4bn) of UK tie-ups have been announced so far this year, according to Dealogic, putting it ahead of its biggest rival the US, which has seen a 65 per cent slump in deals to just $5bn worth in the year to date.
In third place is Gibraltar with $3bn worth of deals, driven by the Bwin.party takeover saga between 888 and GVC.
The UK has been propelled by Ladbrokes’ £2.3bn pending merger with Gala Coral earlier this year.
Gaming-targetted M&A is currently at the third highest level on record, with $16bn worth of deals unveiled.