Tue, 06 Mar 2018 | DIVISION SALE
One of the world’s largest betting companies has sold off its Australian business following a crackdown on the country’s gambling laws.
A ban on credit betting – where customers are leant money at an interest rate to use in their betting picks – and a new tax on bookkeepers at the point of consumption in Australia prompted William Hill to undertake a strategic review of its operations in January.
The regulatory changes led the British group to write down the value of its Australian unit by £238 million dollars, however, pushing William Hill into a pre-tax loss of £75 million for 2017.
The ban on credit betting had a particularly detrimental effect as William Hill historically took a higher level of leveraged bets from its Australian customers than many of its rivals.
Selling off the firm’s Australian business was described by the firm’s chief executive, Philip Bowcock, as an opportunity for the betting agent to refocus on its UK online and US businesses.
He explained: “The disposal follows a strategic review of the Business, launched in January after its profitability came under increased pressure due to the recent credit betting ban and the likely introduction of a Point of Consumption tax.”
William Hill also announced it had identified a buyer in fellow Australian sports betting business CrownBet which, along with a group of shareholders related to CrownBet founder Matthew Trip, pulled together a A$300 million (£169 million) bid for the division.
The Australian unit recorded revenues of A$201 million in 2017, resulting in earnings of around A$47 million dollars, before the write-down was announced. The firm also faced additional costs thanks to a group-wide transformation programme that ended up being more expensive than anticipated.
An excellent opportunity exists to purchase the business and assets of Climbing Centre. Multi-disciplinary experienced staff in place. Offers invited.
LEASEHOLD
Indoor trampoline park offering a wide variety of activities including, dodgeball, battlebeam, jump tower, interactive wall, bouldering wall, inflatables, Ninja warrior, basketball, toddler area, mini football pitch, dance school, tricking classes, s...
LEASEHOLD
Fully equipped independent gym. The gym occupies an enviable position in a bustling residential area of Bradford and by virtue of its enviable location attracts a local, regular clientele. Offers invited.
|
21
|
|
May
|
Specialist aviation company enters administration – assets and/or business up for sale | ADMINISTRATION
A specialist ultralight trikes aviation manufacturing compan...
|
17
|
|
May
|
Greater Manchester staffing firm acquires security services company | BUSINESS SALE
A security services business headquartered in Newton-le-Will...
|
16
|
|
May
|
Midlothian IT company enters administration with assets up for sale | ADMINISTRATION
An Edinburgh-based IT firm has collapsed into administration...
Sign up to receive our acquisition alert emails to get your FREE guide
|
21
|
|
Feb
|
Broadcaster buys greyhound stadia from William Hill | BUSINESS SALE
A broadcaster specialising in the supply of live racing pict...
|
17
|
|
Oct
|
Ladbrokes-Coral sale clears way for £2bn merger | MERGER
Betting firms Ladbrokes and Coral have agreed to sell 359 be...
|
10
|
|
Oct
|
William Hill in '£4.5 billion' merger discussions with owner of PokerStars | MERGER
William Hill, one of UK’s leading betting companies, i...
Business Sale Report is your complete solution to finding great acquisition opportunities.
Join today to receive:
All this and much more, including the latest M&A news and exclusive resources