Sportingbet is trying to buy Empire Poker.
“The Board of Sportingbet, one of the world’s leading online betting and gaming groups, notes the recent press speculation following the announcement made by Empire Online Limited (“Empire”) on 2 September 2005 regarding an offer approach for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Empire. Sportingbet announces that it is in discussions with Empire, which may or may not lead to an offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Empire. These discussions are at a very preliminary stage, and there can be no certainty whatsoever that agreement will be reached and an offer will be forthcoming. The making of any offer is subject to the satisfaction of certain material pre-conditions and completion of appropriate due diligence. A further announcement will be made in due course.”