Rank Regulatory News (RNK)

5 Nov 2007 08:00

Rank Group PLC05 November 2007 5 November 2007 Rank announces international sportsbook agreement Rank Group Plc ("Rank") today announces an agreement to provide a 'white label'sports betting service to online gaming company, 888 Holdings plc ("888"). Thenon-exclusive agreement forms part of Rank's strategy to penetrate selectiveinternational gambling markets through its on-line business, Blue Square. Under the terms of the agreement, Blue Square will supply a multi-lingualbetting service to 888, enabling their customers to place sports bets from the888.com websites. Revenues from sports betting will be shared between Rank and888. Martin Belsham, managing director of Blue Square, said: "This is an agreementthat strengthens both parties. We will benefit from 888's internationalexperience and liquidity as we extend our reach beyond the UK; and 888 willcomplete their customer offer by adding Blue Square's innovative range ofbetting products." Gabi Campos, Senior VP, Head of Offering for 888 said: "The deal will enable 888to capitalise on our extensive global customer base and grow in new territories.Our analysis shows that a significant proportion of our players bet on sportevents occasionally, and the inclusion of sports betting in our offering isin-line with our focus to aid customer acquisition and reinforce 888 as theentertainment destination of choice. 888 will work closely with Blue Square topresent a compelling localised sportsbook offering tailored for each country." The new service is scheduled to be available to 888 customers during the firstquarter of 2008. While the agreement constitutes an important stage in thedevelopment of Blue Square, Rank does not expect that it will have a materialaffect on group earnings in 2008. Ends Photographs of Martin Belsham, managing director of Blue Square, are availableat www.rank.com Contact The Rank Group PlcDan Waugh, director of investor relations: +44 (0)7799 581763 M: CommunicationsNick Miles/ Charlotte Winder: +44 (0)20 7153 1530 Notes to editors About The Rank Group The Rank Group is a leading European gaming business, based in the UK and listedon the London Stock Exchange (RNK.L). The group operates bingo clubs and casinoswith complementary on-line gaming and bookmaking services. Rank's gaming brandsinclude Mecca Bingo, Grosevnor Casinos, G Casinos and Blue Square. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange