William Hill shares rise as online betting improves

Bookie William Hill said it expects full-year operating profit to be at the higher end of its forecast, as its online business improved after a poor first half, helping lift its battered shares.

Shares in the company were up about 2% at 288.7 pence in London, valuing the bookie at almost £2.5bn (€2.9bn). However, shares have slid 27% this year.

The company, which pulled the plug on merger talks with Canadian online gambling company Amaya last month, said it expects full-year operating profit to be at the top end of its forecast of £260m to £280m.