Competition Commission gives full clearance to Littlewoods-Vernons pools merger

Oct 11 2007 by Tony McDonough, icNorthWest

A proposed merger between the UK’s two leading football pools brands - Littlewoods and Vernons - is step closer after the Competition gave the deal full clearance.

Littlewoods operator Sportech says it will now seek to conclude its discussions with Vernons’ owner, betting giant Ladbrokes.

Both firms are Liverpool-based. Sportech has its headquarters in Walton, housing around 300 people, while the Vernons operation next to Aintree Racecourse currently employs 120 people.

It is expected that once the merger goes ahead Vernons staff will relocate to Walton.

Sportech chief executive Ian Penrose said this morning: “We are delighted that at the end of this lengthy and detailed process, we have received clearance from the Competition Commission to proceed with the acquisition of Vernons. We will now look to conclude our negotiations with Ladbrokes.”

The Commission had already given a provisional go-ahead at the beginning of September.

See Friday’s Daily Post for full story.