Livermore Regulatory News (LIV)

5 Sep 2005 07:03

Sportingbet PLC05 September 2005 5 September 2005 Sportingbet Plc ("Sportingbet" or the "Company") Statement re. Press Speculation The Board of Sportingbet, one of the world's leading online betting and gaminggroups, notes the recent press speculation following the announcement made byEmpire Online Limited ("Empire") on 2 September 2005 regarding an offer approachfor the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Empire. Sportingbet announces that it is in discussions with Empire, which may or maynot lead to an offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital ofEmpire. These discussions are at a very preliminary stage, and there can be nocertainty whatsoever that agreement will be reached and an offer will beforthcoming. The making of any offer is subject to the satisfaction of certainmaterial pre-conditions and completion of appropriate due diligence. A furtherannouncement will be made in due course. Enquiries: Smithfield Consultants Tel: 020 7903 0669George Hudson This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange