Member Article

Betfred to sell 25 shops over competition concerns

The Office of Fair Trading has accepted measures by Betfred to sell 25 betting shops to Stan James, to resolve competition concerns.

Lightcatch Limited, the parent company of Done Brothers Limited, trading as Betfed, proposed the measures last year as concerns were raised by its acquisition of the Tote.

The OFT found the acquisition did not give rise to concerns at a national level, but may have limited choice in certain towns.

Before accepting the move, the OFT assessed and consulted publicly on undertaking proposals, including the suitability of Stan James as a purchaser.

Ali Nikpay, OFT Senior Director and Decision Maker in this case, said: “The OFT was concerned that Betfred’s acquisition of the Tote led to the elimination of, or a substantial lessening in, choice of betting shops for people in 25 local areas. The OFT believes that the sales to Stan James in each of these areas will ensure effective competition is restored in these areas.”

Image by Janet McKnight

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .