Shares in PartyGaming and bwin jumped 2.5 percent and 4.1 percent respectively this morning after a report in the Sunday Times at the weekend which suggested the two companies were in talks to create a £2 billion betting company.
Analyst Nick Batram of KBC Peel Hunt told Reuters today that the discussions were not a surprise as online gaming operators speak with each other regularly.
“It seems inevitable that there will be substantial online corporate activity whether or not it is bwin or now. As a major online player and with an ambitious management team, PartyGaming is a valuable strategic asset."
PartyGaming recently purchased the World Poker Tour brand and bwin has been active in the Italian gaming market buying online poker room Gioco Digitale.
