In a statement issued yesterday, bwin.party addressed media speculation that the company was the subject of one or more takeover bids, confirming that it had “entered into preliminary discussions with a number of interested parties”.

bwin.party

“The board of bwin.party confirms that it has entered into preliminary discussions with a number of interested parties regarding a variety of potential business combinations with a view to creating additional value for bwin.party shareholders,” the statement read.

“Such discussions may or may not result in an offer being made for the company. However, as all such discussions remain at a preliminary stage, there can be no certainty as to whether or not they will result in any form of transaction with any party.”

The FT’s Alphaville blog suggested Amaya Gaming was one of the interested parties, while other sources mooted Playtech as a possible buyer.

Shares in bwin.party yesterday rose by more than 10 per cent as the speculation mounted.