GVC to Acquire Sportingbet’s Turkish Operations?

The deal is close at hand, according to the media The media went abuzz last weekend, reporting that the Isle of Man-based GVC internet gambling group may soon nail the acquisition deal for Sportingbet plc's Turkish operations. It was also noted that such a deal would open the way to the Ladbrokes group, whose pursuit of enlarged online presence has led it into acquisition/merger talks with Sportingbet. Reportedly, Sportingbet's Turkish issues were somewhat of an impediment to a clean deal with Ladbrokes, so with GVC's acquisition of its Turkish operations, this issue would be sorted out. Finally, it has been specified that Ladbrokes has until October 17 to put a formal bid for Sportingbet.