Based in Gibralter, Chandler has previously been approached by Enic, the sports group that owns rival Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur. Joe Lewis, the financial controller of Enic offered £40million ($57m) for Chandler’s operation but the deal fell apart. Enic yesterday sold its online bookmaker ukbetting.com to UKbetting, a new company formed to purchase ukbetting.com.
Now the way is clear for Magnier and his friend Michael Tabor, who already owns a stake of Chandler’s offshore operations, to acquire the business. All sides have refused to comment but insiders think they will buy the business for £30m ($43m).
John Magnier, the racehorse breeder who last week bought a 6.7 percent stake in English soccer club Manchester United, is reportedly interested in buying the offshore betting operation owned by Victor Chandler.
