Fred Done Approves William Hill Takeover

William Hill’s biggest investor in the UK will approve the proposed takeover by US casino operator Caesars on Thursday it is understood.

Fellow bookie and billionaire Fred Done who owns Betfred has indicated that he will support the £2.9 billion acquisition of the UK based betting company by Caesars. Fred Done has built up a major interest in William Hill over recent times and turns out to be the single most influential shareholder with £170 million stake.

Ever since 2016 there have been approaches for William Hill starting with the combined £3 billion offer from 888 Holdings and Rank Group which was rejected by shareholders, then came the offer from Amaya the owner at the time of PokerStars but was also rebuffed.

It is understood that shareholders felt both bids did not support William Hill and that the betting giant had more to offer for the proposed bidders than William Hill shareholders would get back in return.

So by the end of this week it is now strongly believed Caesars will be approved for the takeover and that maybe Fred Done and his Betfred business may out of it may acquire all William Hill betting shops that will be made available once the deal goes through as Caesars has already indicated it only wants the US business of the bookmaker.