Those greedy Irish, not only do they have Ryanair, the biggest (and probably the most disturbingly uncomfortable) airline in Europe, but now their bookmaker, Paddy Power, has become the most valuable bookies in Europe. Erin go Bragh!
As reported by Independant.ie – on Friday Paddy Power passed Greek gambling group Opap to become Europe’s most valuable betting company.
Paddy Power’s share price meant that its capitalisation hit €2.08 billion (£1.78 billion), passing Opap, which saw its value slip to €2.04 billion (£1.75 billion).
Also last week, Paddy Power shares rocketed after strong results fuelled by massive growth in mobile phone betting. Paddy Power is worth far more than William Hill (£1.5 billion) Ladbrokes (£1.3 billion) or even Betfair, which is worth £773 million.
Another European business celebrating this week is Gala Coral Group, after announcing today it will be a Silver Sponsor for the International Gaming Awards 2012 (IGA) fifth gaming gala.
As one of Europe’s biggest betting and gaming businesses, the latest sponsor says in a press release it is “especially keen to unite with land-based and online gaming firms at the IGA’s, in a bid to raise awareness towards the IGA’s chosen worthy charities.”
The gaming gala event kicks off on the 23rd January 2012 at the debonair and divine Sheraton Park Lane Hotel. Visit www.gaming-awards.com if you want to get your ass down to the party.
