Sportingbet Trying to take over Centrebet

Written on  5/12/11 By Recentpoker.com staff writer Anthony Aperman :

Proposal remains subject to a number of conditions
 
Australian internet gambling company, Centrebet International Ltd (Centrebet) has announced that London-listed Sportingbet is proposing a takeover bid for the company and that negotiations are in an advanced stage.
 
The company said it views the talks with Sportingbet as a consolidation opportunity but impressed that no agreement had yet been reached and any proposal remains subject to a number of conditions.
 
The discussions involve the acquisition by Sportingbet of all of Centrebet's outstanding ordinary shares and performance rights (Securities) for a consideration of around A$2.00 in cash per security equating to approximately A$175 million.
 
Reuters reports that Sportingbet expects the acquisition to add to its earnings in the first full year post integration.
 
"An acquisition would accelerate Sportingbet's strategy of increasing its exposure to regulated markets and of geographic diversification," Chief Executive Andrew McIver said in a statement.