Ladbrokes Plc rose to its highest in five years after the UK gambling operator said it expanded a partnership for online and mobile software with Playtech Ltd, which ended a joint venture with William Hill Plc this month.

CELTIC BOOKMAKERS will freeze staff pay and may cut jobs to cope with cooling economic growth, the Sunday Independent said, citing an internal memo to employees.

Ladbrokes plc today announced its full year results for the year ended 31 December 2007, revealing an increase in operating profit of 43.6% at €26.3m.