Ladbrokes shares rise after speculation over merger purchase plans

Ladbrokes shares rose by more than four per cent yesterday following a weekend newspaper report that Betfred were in pole position to buy the betting shops being divested as part of their merger with Coral.

While there was no official response to the report, sources said the speculation was premature and that nothing was likely to be announced in the near future.

The Sunday Times had reported that Betfred were nearing a deal to buy the lion's share of the 350 to 400 betting shops Ladbrokes and Coral have been ordered to sell to satisfy the Competition and Markets Authority.