William Hill’s American owner has revealed that online gambling operator 888 has agreed to pay £2.2bn to buy the brand’s non-US business, including its 1,400+ UK betting shops.
Caesars Entertainment, which bought William Hill last year for £2.9bn. had placed the international business up for auction and 888 had announced “advanced discussions” on Tuesday after it was reported to have won the day.
888 Holdings said the acquisition would create a “global online betting and gaming leader” and deliver enhanced sports betting opportunities.
William Hill has more than 1,400 betting shops in the UK and two million active online users
“The combination of 888 and WHI (William Hill International) is expected to deliver significant operating efficiencies, including pre-tax cost synergies of at least £100m per year, leading to improved profit margins,” its statement said.
Chief executive Itai Pazner later signalled that no UK high street jobs would be placed at risk under…
