SIS buys two greyhound tracks from William Hill

SIS has agreed to acquire Newcastle and Sunderland greyhound stadia from William Hill for an undisclosed sum.

Picture and data from the tracks will be added to SIS’ existing portfolio of rights from Monmore, Crayford, Hove, and Romford, ensuring it will able to “continue to provide high quality greyhound racing to betting markets”.

SIS CEO Gary Smith said: “The acquisition of Newcastle and Sunderland is very exciting for us and our customers and strengthens our position as a distributor of high quality pictures and data for greyhound racing.

“Under William Hill’s ownership the facilities have been well maintained and the tracks have staged high quality competitive greyhound racing which has been popular with punters, both on and off track.  SIS is committed to maintain and build upon the high standards that William Hill has set.”

SIS said no significant changes will be made to the venues, which will be will be run as a separate subsidiary of the provider.

William Hill Retail managing director Nicola Frampton said: “Newcastle and Sunderland greyhound stadia are among the best run in the industry and we would like to thank the teams at both tracks for all their hard work and success during William Hill’s period of ownership.

“In looking at options for the tracks, the continuation of greyhound racing at the stadia and the safeguarding of employment were paramount.  We are therefore pleased to have reached agreement with SIS who are the right owner to take the business forward over the long term.”

The deal is subject to final agreement and the appropriate regulatory authority approvals.