Chief executive hopeful that Paddy Power and Betfair merger will pass remaining regulatory hurdles in time for deal to close by end of first quarter of 2016

Deal will create one of the world’s biggest gambling groups

Shares rise as UK’s Competition and Markets Authority approves anticipated merger

Pair plan to create one of the world’s biggest gambling groups with revenues of €1.5bn to €2bn a year

Bookmaker expects to publish shareholder documentation believed to include a prospectus and other information it has to send to investors

Firm to be known as Paddy Power Betfair plc expected to maintain a significant presence in Ireland

Bookmaker agrees terms of Betfair merger giving Paddy Power shareholders a 52% stake in new Dublin headquartered company

Proposed merger with rival Betfair means Paddy Power is on the cusp of becoming one of the biggest players in global gambling

Planned merger would create one of world’s biggest betting companies

News comes as Paddy Power reports 33% jump in operating profit

Firm is seeking to surrender about one-third of its leases in Republic

Listed bookie said revenue growth helped offset margin pressures at start of year

Bookmaker announces record profits but still can’t make up its mind to get serious

Andy McCue favours focus on ‘organic growth’ rather than acquisition

Bookmaker makes €167m profit before tax

Incoming chief executive Andy McCue announces creation of a new product development function

Mr McCue is to succeed current chief executive Patrick Kennedy at the beginning of 2015