888 Takeover no longer in the interests of shareholders

In March 2025 it was revealed that UK based bookmakers, and online gaming giants Ladbrokes were considering the acquisition of rival gaming company 888. Reports suggested that Ladbrokes would be in a position to offer as much as £240 million  to take over 888, and as such cement Ladbrokes status as the No1 UK based gaming operator.
After months of discussions it appears that these discussions have been closed and the take over is no longer likely to occur. Ladbrokes chief executive Richard Glynn said: “At the end of the day I simply decided it was not in the interests of shareholders. Our drive to make Ladbrokes favourite again has good momentum.” But the group expects the UK to remain challenging this year as consumer confidence and disposable incomes continue to suffer”.
888′s recent takeover of Wink Bingo, and the loss of 888 Holdings Chief executive Gigi Levi sparked concerns as to whether Ladbrokes would continue discussions with 888, and the announcement that these discussions are closed, comes as no major surprise.
Shares in Ladbrokes climbed by 4% following the recent announcement. Ladbrokes will continue to look at opportunities for takeovers but Mr Glynn said he was under no pressure to strike any deals and was focused on growing the company organically.