BoyleSports eyes outlets for sale under UK merger plan

Bookmakers BoyleSports has reconfirmed its interest in scooping up retail shops in the UK after Britain’s competition watchdog said Ladbrokes and Gala Coral must sell around 350 to 400 shops to obtain clearance for their proposed merger.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said a tie-up between Britain’s second and third largest bookmakers may give rise to competition issues in 642 local areas.

The CMA said the sales must be substantially completed before the merger can go ahead.