23-10-2007 Ladbrokes on the hunt for a traditional casino and bingo operator

Talks of a tie-up between the bookmaker and the Rank Group, owner of the Grosvenor casinos, Mecca bingos and online betting and gaming site Blue Square, are said to be at an advanced stage as a record number of shares changed hands today on the market.

Rank Group was recently forced to announce a profit warning for the full year, while Ladbrokes, after talks with online casino and poker operator 888 failed, is believed to be on the lookout to acquire a more traditional gaming operator that will fit with Ladbrokes' estate of over 2,200 betting shops.