Canadian gaming provider Amaya Gaming is set to acquire Rational Group, the parent company of the world’s leading online poker site PokerStars, for US$4.9bn (€3.6bn). Amaya struck the deal with Oldford Group Limited, the holding company for Rational Group and will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Oldford Group in an all-cash transaction for an aggregate purchase price, which includes certain differed payments and is subject to other customary adjustments. The transaction will be financed by a combination of cash on hand, new debt, and a private placement of subscription receipts, common shares and non-voting convertible preferred….

iGaming Business – Gambling industry entertainment provider Amaya Gaming Group has denied that it is looking to acquire another company following a sharp increase in its share price. According to the Financial Post Canadian newspaper, Amaya shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange jumped 5% on Monday afternoon amid speculation that the Quebec-based firm was considering acquiring another company. The firm moved to quell speculation by issuing a statement that read: “In response to trading activity that may stem from market rumours that have come to the company’s attention regarding a potential strategic acquisition, Amaya stated today that… [it] regularly evaluates…