Blow for Hills as merger talks collapse

William Hill has withdrawn from discussions with gaming firm AmayaCredit: David Dew

On the same day William Hill revealed they expected operating profit in 2016 to be at the top of the previously forecast range of £260m-£280m, the firm suffered the latest blow in a tempestuous year as it was yesterday announced their proposed merger with Amaya had collapsed.

The end of the talks with the Canadian owner of the PokerStars brand is the latest setback to befall the betting industry giant following the departure of chief executive James Henderson, a profit warning and a rejected takeover bid from Rank Group and 888 Holdings.

News of the proposed £5 billion merger was leaked this month and soon afterwards it appeared in jeopardy when hedge fund and major shareholder Parvus Asset Management criticised the deal.

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Bill BarberIndustry editor

Published on 18 October 2016inNews

Last updated 18:34, 18 October 2016

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