GVC Holdings consummated the acquisition of Ladbrokes Coral

GVC Holdings consummated its acquisition of Ladbrokes Coral in a deal worth £4bn (€4.49bn/$5.55bn). Ladbrokes Coral’s corporate site now diverts  visitors to GVC’s homepage.

After a period of 34 years Ladbrokes has become a  founding member of the original FTSE 100, and its shares have been delisted from the London Stock Exchange.

Around 271,816,558 ordinary shares of €0.01 each in the capital of GVC have today (Friday) been created in compliance with the terms of the deal.

Speaking about the deal recently, GVC Chief Executive Kenneth Alexander said: “The creation of one of the world’s largest listed sports betting companies, combining a portfolio of established brands, proven technology and leading market positions in multiple geographies, is a truly exciting prospect.”

“In a dynamically evolving industry, the transaction creates an enlarged group with the scale, diversity, proprietary technology and management expertise to pursue many opportunities globally.”

The deal was agreed in December 2017. Ladbrokes Coral shareholders will receive 32.7p per share and 0.141 new GVC shares, while there is a further contingent entitlement of up to 42.8p depending on the government ruling on FOBT stakes. A favourable outcome for FOBT operators could push the deal’s worth up past the £4bn barrier.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that former EE Executive Noel Hamill has been appointed as Ladbrokes Coral’s new Chief Marketing Officer.

Hamill, who took over the running of marketing at the telecoms group in 2016, will assume responsibility for the Ladbrokes and Coral brands across the group.