Gala going strong

GALA Coral’s boss hailed ‘strong’ results ahead of the company’s £2.3bn merger with rival bookmaker Ladbrokes.

Revenues for the year rose 6.4pc to just over £1bn – boosted by increased numbers betting online – and profits edged 1.3pc higher to £205.3m.

‘The group’s financial performance in the full year was strong,’ said chief executive Carl Leaver.

He dismissed claims that Ladbrokes shareholders will lose out from the proposed merger, pointing out that 96pc voted in favour of the deal.