Malaysian Group Increases Stake in Stanley Leisure
Malaysian conglomerate Genting Berhad Group has acquired 1.25 million shares in Stanley Leisure PLC (SLY.L), increasing its total holding in the company to 12.87 million shares, or 10.1 percent. Genting, whose previous Stanley share acquisition came in November, when it raised its stake to 9.1 percent, has agreed not to launch a full bid for Stanley leisure during the next three years without board approval. Also in November, Genting entered into a joint venture with the U.K betting company to expand its regional casino business within the United Kingdom.
A Boost for NETeller
Shares of NETeller (NLR.L) rose Friday from 200p to 338.5 percent on Friday after the company received authorization from the Financial Services Authority to operate in the United Kingdom and expand in Europe. The company, which floated on the AIM in April 2004, is forecast to double its earnings this year and could do even better than that if it's able to secure relationships in Asia.
A Touch of Success for Midas
Online poker software provider Midas Entertainment Inc. (MDAS) announced Jan. 13 that it took over $32.6 million in bets, processed more than $3.2 million in
payments and generated $712,000 in gross revenue during its initial four-and-a-half months of operations. As of the 13th, the company had acquired over 10,500
players through its Web portal licensees.
World Gaming's AIM Plans
eGaming Review reported last week that British I-gaming software company World Gaming (WGMGY) is on track to proceed with its listing on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market during the second quarter of 2005. The company, currently trading over the counter in the United States, is floating to raise money for a planned acquisition drive as well as to gain a higher profile in the European market.
Global Gambling Stocks Soar
Global Betting & Gaming Consultants reported last week that its GBGC 50 gaming stock index has broken the US$100 billion market cap barrier. The updated index, composed of the world's 50 larget gambling companies, is included in the third edition of the group's "Global Gambling Report," which was released Friday. According to GBGC, the market cap for the 50 companies rose over 81 percent during 2004, reaching a total of $131 billion.
NDS Conference Call
Digital and pay-TV solutions provider NDS Group plc (NNDS) will release its second-quarter 2005 financial results on Feb. 1. The company, a News Corporation holding, will conduct a conference call on the same day at 2 p.m. (GMT) to discuss the results. Shareholders can dial 0800 9543 1444 (U.K. Freephone), 1-866-220-1452 (U.S. toll free) or +44 (0) 1452 542 300 (Std International) to listen. The call will be replayed for seven days at 0800 953 1533 (U.K. Freephone), 1866 247 4222 (U.S. toll free) or +44 1452 55 0000 (Std International) using the passcode: 2375656#. The replay will also be accessible at www.nds.com.