William Hill Announce Partnership with Demco Group
Bookmaker to explore betting opportunities in the South Eastern European region
Monday 18th April 2005
Bookmaker, William Hill, has signed an agreement with Greek firm, Demco Group, to explore betting opportunities in the South Eastern European region. The agreement will see the two companies working together to monitor the regulatory position within the Greek market, and actively pursue opportunities arising from any deregulation of betting with the Greek State. The two organisations also intend to jointly investigate other South Eastern European markets such as Romania and Bulgaria with the hope of benefiting from business opportunities in the betting sector.
Taking bets within the Greek state is currently under monopoly control of OPAP. However, those in the know are anticipating an opening up of the Greek market in the medium term. The agreement between William Hill and Demco place the two groups in position to develop a joint venture following any such deregulation of the territory.
Demco Group has founded a number of successful Greek businesses in various sectors, including insurance, financial services, mobile, fixed line and satellite telecommunications, general aviation and the food industry. In addition, the Group has interests in media companies.
‘With a population of 10 million people and a passion for sport, a deregulated Greece would offer an attractive betting market,’ said David Harding, Chief Executive of William Hill, ‘When the time is right, this agreement will allow us to combine our skills in sports betting with Demco Group’s excellent track record in building successful businesses within Greece.’
