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William Hill declines modified deal from Rank and 888
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15 August 2016
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Bookmaker William Hill has actually rejected a revised takeover technique from 888 and Rank, saying it still "significantly" underestimates the business.


William Hill stated the new proposal provided its shareholders an estimated worth of 352p a share, compared to a previous bet9ja's welcome offer of 339p a share.


Rank and 888 reaffirmed their view that the deal was "a compelling worth creation chance for William Hill".


But William Hill said the modified deal was "extremely opportunistic".


"The board continues to see no merit in engaging with the consortium," the company included.


The revised takeover proposition would see William Hill investors get 199p in cash and 0.86 of shares in BidCo - the business being formed by 888 and Rank to buy William Hill - for each share they own.


William Hill investors would end up with 48.8% of the combined group.


Under the previous approach, William Hill shareholders were provided 199p in cash and 0.725 BidCo shares, leaving financiers with 44.6% of the combined group.


'Substantial threat'


"this promotion code revised proposal continues to considerably undervalue the company and the money element of the proposition has actually not changed. Therefore, the board sees no merit in appealing," said William Hill's chairman, Gareth Davis.


"As we have actually stated before, this promotion code is highly opportunistic and intricate and does not improve the yohaig code tactical positioning of William Hill.


"The board continues to believe we have a strong group to deliver remarkable value to our shareholders and trading at the start of the second half provides us renewed confidence in our stand-alone ."


Casino and bingo hall operator Rank and online gambling group 888 said that the proposed new mix would produce the UK's largest multi-channel gaming operator by revenue and earnings.
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They also stated it would lead to cost savings of a minimum of ₤ 100m a year, while more savings might potentially be discovered "through useful engagement".


However, William Hill has said the savings will not be attained in complete until the yohaig code end of 2020 and posture "significant danger for William Hill shareholders".


The president of 888, Itai Frieberger, stated a combined company might "lead innovation in the sector", while Rank president Henry Birch stated the deal made "compelling strategic sense for all 3 services".
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The UK's 2nd and third-largest retail bookies, Ladbrokes and Gala Coral, are presently proceeding with their ₤ 2.3 bn merger, which will see them leapfrog over William Hill to end up being the nation's greatest business in the sector.
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The Competition and Markets Authority has informed the yohaig code 2 companies that they must bet9ja's welcome offer 350 to 400 stores in order for the yohaig code merger to be cleared.
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