Ladbrokes is valued at up to �4bn

According to media reports, a number of private equity groups have expressed an interest, valuing the gambling company at �3-4bn ($5.2-7bn).

Hilton Group said it remained focused on concluding the sale of its international hotels chain to US namesake Hilton Hotels Corporation.

"The board has great confidence in the future of Ladbrokes," a statement said.

Private equity firms BC Partners, Blackstone and CVC Capital are believed to have contacted Hilton recently over interest in Ladbrokes.

The sale of Hilton Group's 400-plus hotels could net the company �3.2bn-�3.4bn.

The two Hilton firms have been separate since 1964 when Hilton Hotels Corporation split off its non-American business.

Long lost cousins

Ladbrokes bought the Hilton business outside the US in 1987, and changed its name to Hilton in 1999.

Back in the 1990s, the two hotel companies agreed to share marketing, reservations and loyalty card programmes. Because of their close ties, analysts do not expect a counter bid.

Hilton Group has more than 400 hotels under the Hilton and Scandic brands, as well as owning the Ladbrokes gambling company.

Hilton Hotels Corporation owns, manages or franchises more than 2,300 hotels.

Shares in Hilton Group have risen more than 17% since October, and were up 2.8% at 367 pence in morning trading, valuing the company at nearly �6bn.