Pointsbet share price halted for 'material transaction'

This sports betting company's shares have been halted ahead of an announcement.

| More on:
man placing sports bet on mobile phone and laptop, sports betting, pointsbet share price

Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price won't be going anywhere on Tuesday.

That's because this morning, the sports betting company requested a trading halt.

What's going on with the Pointsbet share price?

This morning, Pointsbet requested an immediate trading halt to "enable it to manage its continuous disclosure obligations in relation to a material transaction."

Pointsbet has requested that the trading halt remain in place until the earlier of the time it makes an announcement to the market and the commencement of normal trading on Wednesday.

No details have been released in relation to what the "material transaction" involves.

What could it be?

It is worth noting that the company's Pointsbet USA business has been the subject of takeover approaches recently.

And with reports claiming that the two potential suitors have a grudge to settle, it wouldn't be a surprise if a bidding war breaks out.

According to the New York Post, the CEO of DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG), Jason Robins, is determined to "level the score" with Fanatics boss Michael Rubin.

Draftkings made a US$195 million offer for the business earlier this month, outbidding Fanatics' offer of US$150 million.

The report claims that Robins still holds a grudge after Rubin walked away from advanced US$48 billion merger negotiations in 2021. This deal would have been a 50:50 merger with each company valued at approximately US$24 billion, according to sources.

However, Rubin is understood to have walked away near the end of the process.

Since then, DraftKings shares have lost more than half their value and sources say that Robins has held a grudge ever since. The company has denied this is the case, stating:

To suggest that there is an ulterior motive that is personal and not business related is irresponsible and not grounded in reality.

Don't forget Australia

It is also worth remembering that Pointsbet has previously talked about selling its Australian operations.

And while that seems to have taken a backseat now, it is possible that an offer has been tabled for this side of the business.

Stay tuned for the announcement, expected tomorrow.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended PointsBet. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Mergers & Acquisitions

A couple stares at the tv in shock, one holding the remote up ready to press.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Telstra share price climbs amid $3.4b Foxtel sale

Who is buying the Foxtel business? Let's find out.

Read more »

two men shake hands on a deal.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Wesfarmers shares lower on $770m asset sale

Let's see which business the conglomerate is offloading.

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Real Estate Shares

ASX 200 stock slips on $482 million retail deal

The ASX 200 stock is expanding its retail holdings by almost half a billion dollars.

Read more »

a woman drawing image on wall of big fish about to eat a small fish
Financial Shares

Guess which ASX 200 share just received a $2.68b takeover offer

Private equity firm Bain Capital has its eyes on this financial services company.

Read more »

A senior pharmacist talks to a customer at the counter in a shop
Mergers & Acquisitions

Own Sigma shares? Here's the latest on the Chemist Warehouse merger

One year ago today, the two companies announced plans to merge. We could now be just a few months away…

Read more »

Two CEOs shaking hands on a deal.
Mergers & Acquisitions

2 ASX 200 shares announcing acquisitions today

M&A activity is heating up with two deals announced this morning.

Read more »

businesswoman holds hand out to shake
Mergers & Acquisitions

Is this ASX All Ords stock primed for a takeover offer in 2025?

The ASX All Ords stock could draw the interest of global companies saddled with fading patents.

Read more »

Woman shaking the hand of a man on a deal.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Up 146% in a year, ASX 200 stock marches higher on $950 million acquisition news

The ASX 200 company is expanding its renewable energy footprint.

Read more »