The story of GVC: from minnow to industry heavyweight

Twenty years ago Ladbrokes and Coral were among the giants of a bookmaking industry dominated by betting shops, while Sportingbet were taking their first tentative steps in the brave new world of online betting.

GVC Holdings, who now own the Sportingbet brand, would not even come into existence for another seven years. Yet early next year GVC are expected to have confirmed their intention to make a takeover bid for the merged Ladbrokes Coral group in a deal which could be worth up to £3.9 billion.

If the deal goes through it will be the latest and most spectacular chapter of GVC's startling rise under the stewardship of their buccaneering chief executive Kenny Alexander.