LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Alphameric Plc. said Amalgamated Racing Ltd, a
joint venture with Racecourse Media Services Limited, and its shareholders have
won a case brought against them by bookmakers including Ladbrokes and William
Hill Plc., adding now it will seek an order for costs.
After the High Court judgement by Justice Morgan, Amalgated Racing will be
able to market and sell the television and data rights of 31 of the UK's most
prestigious racecourses via its Turf TV service.
Alphameric CEO, Alan Morcombe said: "It allows AMRAC to continue to develop
and improve its business, while we also believe that Alphameric's Leisure
division, which had been adversely impacted by this litigation, can return to
profitable growth and, over time, regain lost momentum."
Justice Morgan has reserved judgment on a counterclaim brought by AMRAC and
a number of the racecourses alleging that the bookmakers had colluded unlawfully
to boycott the new service and to withhold sponsorship from races.
The provider of solutions for the leisure and hospitality sectors, said
indications are that his judgment on this issue will be made available in the
autumn.
In September last year, major bookmakers started formal proceedings against
Alphameric and other parties alleging the exclusive licensing for broadcasting
racing events through the Turf TV service constituted a "collective exclusive
licensing" arrangement in contravention of the UK Competition Act. On May 1, the
battle had moved to the High Court.
TFN.newsdesk@thomson.com
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