The group stated that Caesars Entertainment’s intention to sell off William Hill’s UK retail portfolio presents a valuable opportunity for expanding its market presence. BoyleSports currently has 21 shops in Great Britain and 45 in Northern Ireland, while William Hill is the largest retail bookmaker in the country. Caesars plans to focus on Hills’ US operations and divest its non-US operations, including 1,400 UK betting shops, after recently acquiring the company for £2.9bn (€3.35bn/$4.04bn). Caesars aims to begin the sale process by the end of June and complete the transaction, which could be valued at up to $2bn, by the end of the year.
A spokesperson from BoyleSports expressed interest in acquiring some or all of William Hill’s UK shops, as well as other opportunities that align with their business strategy. BoyleSports aims to become one of the key operators on the UK high street, leveraging its strong retail and digital offerings to provide a top-tier, secure, and enjoyable betting experience for customers. With 21 shops in the UK, 45 shops in Northern Ireland, and an upgraded online betting site, BoyleSports already has a significant presence in the UK retail and online markets. The sale of William Hill’s estate presents a unique chance for BoyleSports to achieve the desired retail scale they have been targeting.
Apollo Global Management, a major competitor to Caesars for the acquisition of William Hill, is reported to be among the frontrunners to purchase the bookmaker’s operations outside of the US. Caesars CEO Tom Reeg emphasized the company’s belief in focusing on the US business and stated they are not adept at running a non-US digital enterprise. Instead, they recognize the existence of potential partners who possess the expertise and opportunities in that area. Caesars intends to allocate their capital to businesses that will generate superior returns for shareholders, continuously moving forward with the sale of the non-US operations without hesitation.
