Gala, the bingo and casino group, is in talks to buy Coral Eurobet, the betting shop chain being prepared for a flotation this year or in early 2006.
A deal would combine a fast-growing bookmaking operation rivalling William Hill and Ladbrokes with the UK's biggest bingo operator in a business worth close to £4bn, including debt. The enlarged group would be well placed to benefit from recent gambling law changes, including longer opening hours.
