UK bookmaker Ladbrokes has welcomed the decision by the Competition and Markets Authority giving final approval to its proposed merger with Coral.
The merger involves the disposal of 322 shops to Betfred, 37 to Stan James and one shop to Bet21.
Following receipt of this approval, Ladbrokes will publish a prospectus in relation to the readmission of the enlarged group to the premium listing segment of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange.
The company expects the merger to be completed in “the very near future.”
Ladbrokes chief executive Jim Mullen said: “I am delighted that the CMA has given approval to our merger with Coral. Both businesses are approaching the merger with good momentum and we are now focusing on completing the merger and delivering on the opportunities it offers.”
