ONLINE betting group PartyGaming are considering a stock market flotation.
The world's biggest web-based poker firm has appointed investment banks Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein (DrKW) and Investec "to undertake a review of the group's strategic options", a statement issued by the company said.
PartyGaming did not specify what options it was considering, but reports suggested it could go for a flotation that would value the group at between £3bn and £5bn.
Such a move could see PartyGaming, formerly known as iGlobalMedia, enter the FTSE 100 Index of Britain's leading companies.
The group's PartyPoker.com gaming room, set up in 2001, has millions of users.
Other reported scenarios under discussion include merger and acquisition opportunities or raising money on the debt markets.
Chief executive Richard Segal said the internet-based gaming industry was continuing to experience exceptional rates of growth and PartyGaming was generating significant levels of profit and operating cash flow.
"We look forward to working with the teams at DrKW and Investec in taking the group to the next stage of its development," he said.
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