Tabcorp reveals rejected Ladbrokes approach – report

Tabcorp has revealed that it rejected an approach from Ladbrokes in 2013 over a potential joint venture that could have seen the companies combine to create the largest bookmaking business in Australia.

Citing sources close to the talks, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper said that the deal was floated in 2013 after Ladbrokes launched an online betting service in the country.

UK-based Ladbrokes was reportedly keen to secure an alliance with Tabcorp in an effort to capture more of the Australian market.

However, the newspaper reports Tabcorp chief executive David Attenborough was quick to reject the deal, given that his company had already established itself as the leading online operator in the country.

Tabcorp declined to comment on the reported discussions, while Ladbrokes was unavailable to give comment.

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