The Coates family, who founded and run the online gaming giant Bet365, are mulling over a potential sale of their business empire, estimated to be worth around £9bn.
Talks have been held with US banks and financial experts about the possible options for the Stoke-on-Trent-headquartered company's future, including selling in full or part, as reported by .
The family, led by CEO Denise Coates, may consider a part-sale to a private equity firm, with them retaining a share in the business before a possible public listing on the US stock market.
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The search for potential advisors for the sale has entered the "beauty parade" phase, where investment banks compete for the job, reported by the Guardian.
Denise Coates, who has a 58% stake in Bet365, could pocket a staggering £5bn from a potential sale.
Under her guidance, Bet365 has turned into a global phenomenon and a top-tier online gaming platform.
It has pushed strongly into the US gaming market, gaining permits in over a dozen states after the country lifted its ban on sports betting in 2018.
Bet365 has recently withdrawn from China and moved the running of Stoke City Football Club to Denise's brother, John, in an apparent attempt to appeal more to US-based investors.
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Bet365 chose not to comment on the news. However, industry experts think a public listing on the US stock exchange is an attractive exit strategy, given the booming demand for investing in the gaming industry.
However, some caution that a potential sale could have repercussions for British horse racing and greyhound sports, both of which receive substantial sponsorship from Bet365.
Denise Coates has pocketed over £2bn in salary and dividends since 2019, earning her the title of Britain's highest-paid woman.
A possible departure, strategically planned just before her 60th birthday, would signal the culmination of a meteoric two-decade journey from humble Portakabin beginnings to global betting behemoth.