Online gaming giant 888 Holdings has seen its shares rocket today by around 20 percent after it confirmed it was in talks with competitor Ladbrokes regarding a potential buyout.

888 Holdings suggested the talks were in the "the early stages", and there was "no certainty" that they would lead to an offer from its rival.

Ladbrokes added that it has not yet made any decisions following the talks.

While 888 Holdings is an online business both to the customer in the form of online gaming websites and also to other online operators in the form of platforms and services, Ladbrokes is on of the largest betting companies in the UK with complimentary online operations.

Ladbrokes originated in 1886, with 888 Holdings being just 13 years old.

About Ladbrokes

The Company employs 15,000 people in six countries and is one of the world’s leading betting and gaming enterprises. Ladbrokes is a market leader in retail bookmaking in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Spain where it operates a combined total of more than 2,700 betting shops. The Company also operates betting facilities at eight FA Premiership grounds and nine racecourses, including Ascot. In addition to its extensive retail presence Ladbrokes is a world leader in remote betting and offers thousands of betting markets on a daily basis over the telephone and Internet. The telephone betting operation, utilising call centres in the UK and Malaysia, services around 100,000 customers, while Ladbrokes.com, the Company's online betting and gaming facility, has attracted more than 765,000 active clients. Betting is available in 18 languages and the same number of currencies. The site incorporates the highest levels of security, which underwrite an integrated array of sports betting and gaming services available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

888 Holdings

888 Holdings Public Limited Company (888) is one of the world’s most popular online gaming entertainment and solutions providers.

888 has been at the forefront of the online gaming industry for over a decade, allowing both players and B2B partners to enjoy a world-class gaming experience.

Included amongst 888's many online gaming establishments are the award-winning Casino-on-Net, Pacific Poker, 888ladies bingo and 888sport.

As well as providing players with an innovative, comprehensive and enjoyable gaming experience, through Dragonfish partners also benefit from 888’s decade long industry experience. Dragonfish provides partners with Total Gaming Services — customisable solutions offering the ideal platform through which to establish an online gaming presence and monetise their brand.

888 is licensed and regulated by the Government of Gibraltar, where 888's main headquarters and main operations are located.