Mike Ashley leading £19m race for casino

It is believed that Mike Ashley, the billionaire sportswear tycoon, is leading the £19 million battle for casino-operator Les Ambassadeurs, which was put up for sale in September and is owned by Putera Sampoerna, the Indonesian tobacco tycoon.

Les Ambassadeurs is one of London’s top casinos and popular with Premiership footballers, hedgefund-managers and high rollers. Sir Philip Green, the retail billionaire, is also a customer but has denied reports that he is buying the club.

It is expected that Putera Sampoerna, who is a member of the Mayfair gambling club, is to take a loss on the deal having paid London Clubs International £115 million in early 2006.

In spite of leading the battle for Les Ambassadeurs, it is believed that Mr Ashley is facing stiff competition from US gaming giant Harrah’s.

Mike Ashley is a billionaire sportswear tycoon and is said to be the UK’s 25th wealthiest person. He secured his fortune through his Sports World stores which was founded in 1982. Today, the chain is the UK’s largest retailer of sporting goods.

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