888 takes pole position in race to buy William Hill’s European business

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 888 has beaten off private equity rivals to emerge as the favourite to take over William Hill’s European business, bringing it back into British hands. “888 notes the recent press speculation and confirms that it is in advanced discussions with Caesars Entertainment, Inc regarding a possible acquisition of the international business of William Hill ” it said on Tuesday. The move could bring William Hill back into UK hands several months after Caesars bought it from the London Stock Exchange for £2.9 billion in April. There can be no certainty that these advanced discussions will result in a transaction 888 But 888 could yet put William Hill’s 1,400 betting shops up for sale to a new owner, keeping just the online part of the business.