888 in the Buy -- Analysts with Deutsche Bank have put a buy recommendation on shares in 888, roughly a week before the groups fourth-quarter trading update is due to be released. In a research note, the brokerage said the company's gaming and entertainment platform is well-positioned to compete going forward, in view of recent agreements with Daub Ltd., Entertasia, Blue Square and others. 888's target share price has been increased from 125p to 160, the note added. Shares in the London-listed operator today were up 4.75p to 120.00.
Another Week, A Bigger Stake -- Asia-based investment group Gouco has raised its stake in Rank to 6.05 percent from 4.09 percent, representing approximately 23.6 million shares. Since Jan. 15, 2008, Guoco has steadily increased its holding from 3.17 percent.
Hypothetical Merger -- Brokerage Evolution Securities has suggested a merger between William Hill and Paddy Power would cut costs across the two operations, whose shares Tuesday lost 30p and 0.30 euros, respectively. "We believe Paddy Power's skills in marketing would compliment William Hill's scale and reach," the Times quotes Evolution Analyst Ivor Jones as saying. Jones estimates that the combined group could pay a 76p special dividend and lift its share price 19 percent above William Hill's present level, the paper adds.
Sharing is Caring -- U.K.-based fraud management specialists Ethoca has agreed to supply Boylesports with its data-sharing services.
Partouche Mulls Options -- On the release of its full-year results, French casino group Partouche said today that it would look to use any change in French gaming law to mitigate the impact of the country's smoking ban, which was enacted Jan. 1. During FY 2007, Partouche said net profit fell to 14.3 million euros ($20.9 million) from 28.7 million euros a year earlier. Following discussions with the European Commission, the French government has indicated a willingness to examine and possibly propose a regulated regime for the provision of online gambling and betting.
Odds on Hillary -- Following results in yesterday's Super Tuesday primaries, London bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill have ranked Sen. Hillary Clinton as the most likely to win the general election in November, followed by Republican challenger Sen. John McCain. Odds on Clinton are now six-to-four at Ladbrokes, meaning bettors can win £6 for every £4 bet on the New York Democrat. Mccain followed at seven-to-four, with Sen. Barack Obama at nine-to-four.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE today, William Hill was up 4.50p to 393.75, Playtech was up 8p to 342.50 and Ladbrokes was up 5.25p to 291.00.