ne operator BwinParty has revealed that takeover discussions have taken place with groups interested in acquiring the firm.

The Gibraltar-based company released a statement confirming that discussions are ongoing, but no potential buyers were mentioned..

The statement read: “Further to recent media speculation regarding a possible bid for bwin.party, the Board of bwin.party confirms that it has entered into preliminary discussions with a number of interested parties regarding a variety of potential business combinations with a view to creating additional value for bwin.party shareholders.

“Such discussions may or may not result in an offer being made for the company. However, as all such discussions remain at a preliminary stage, there can be no certainty as to whether or not they will result in any form of transaction with any party."

Among those rumoured to be interested in a takeover are Canadian company Amaya Gaming, the owners of PokerStars and Full Tilt.

Further speculation was sparked by provider Playtech’s announcement that it would be generating €315m for acquisitions by issuing a convertible bond.