PokerStars speculation was rampant again this week as media reports indicated that the online poker giant was close to appointing HSBC to advise it on a massive GBP 1.6 billion London stock market flotation.
Financial and business media seemed confident that the company would name the banking behemoth as sole global co-ordinator and sponsor of the proposed market listing.
Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein (DKW) would offer support as joint bookrunner.
Both banks have experience of floating internet gambling firms on the London Stock Exchange, with DKW floating PartyGaming and HSBC providing advice to rival 888 Holdings.
Isle of Man-based PokerStars, has reportedly not yet made a final decision on an initial public offering, but is expected to do so soon, shooting for a listing at the end of this year.