William Hill recently approached rival betting firm Ladbrokes finance director, Brian Wallace, about taking its vacant chief executive post, according to reports in the UK Times newspaper. The article suggested that Wallace was on a shortlist of two candidates, and was to be offered the job when he withdrew his name from the running.

Industry speculation suggests that Wallace has been tipped to takeover from Ladbrokes chief executive Chris Bell, although sources quoted in the paper called the rumours 'nonsense'. One unnamed source was quoted as saying that Wallace had decided not to pursue the position for personal reasons.