LADBROKES – 888 DEAL CONFIRME


Posted on 12/22/10 :

888 shares surge 24 percent, but there are still concerns over 888's US vulnerability
 
The industry remained abuzz with speculation on the weekend news that Ladbrokes was making a GBP240 million bid for online gambling software developer 888.
 
At 70p a share, the reported deal represents a premium of some 40 percent, Reuters reported.
 
Both companies confirmed that they were in negotiations as the new week commenced, with 888's share price soaring by 24 percent on the news that it may be acquired by the major UK online and land gambling group.
 
It provided 888 investors, who have seen their shares lose around two-thirds in value since January 2010, with some welcome and positive momentum, although the market quieted down to a rise of approximately 18 percent later Monday.
 
Under the leadership of former CEO Chris Bell, Ladbrokes made an acquisition run on 888.com four years ago  but the deal fell through over concerns regarding 888.com's vulnerability to US legal problems connected with its pre-UIGEA presence in that country.
 
Unlike Party Gaming and Sportingbet, 888 has not negotiated a probably expensive settlement with US authorities.
 
With a new CEO at the Ladbrokes helm in the form of Richard Glynn, analysts are predicting that the present negotiations could be the new incumbent's first big deal.
 
Collins Stewart analyst Simon Davies said: "We believe a 70-pence offer should be a slam dunk for investors, but see significant regulatory risk to a successful transaction given that 888 has not procured a non-prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice, which represents a potential poison pill."
 
Morgan Stanley analysts said the deal could be a strategic and financial winner, matching Ladbrokes' strong sports betting book with 888's internet casino offering to create a combined online gambling business with annual revenue of around GBP350 million and earnings of GBP85 million. They opined that potential yearly savings for the companies could be as high aa GBP25 million in technology, marketing and overhead costs.