PRESS DIGEST - British Business =4

The Guardian

LADBROKES ROULETTE WINNINGS UP

The average gross take from 8,200 touch-screen roulette machines in Ladbrokes (LAD.L) betting shops increased from 538 to 673 pounds a week in the first four months of 2008 after they were upgraded last year. It is a 26 percent increase in takings for Ladbrokes and compares with average weekly takings from a pub fruit machine of less than 225 pounds, according to industry figures. Excluding high-rolling customers, Ladrokes' profits for the first four months increased 13 percent.

LOOK NOW ROMANIANS BUY DISTRIBUTOR

The Aim-listed film distributor Metrodome has become majority owned by one of Eastern Europe's largest entertainment companies. The Romanian-based MediaPro group is to acquire the 50.1 percent stake owned by TV-Loonland in a deal valuing the company at 3.2 million pounds. The Metrodome deal would help MediaPro work towards achieving one of its key goals of expanding into the rest of Europe, the Romanian company said. The deal will allow Metrodome the use of MediaPro's network of studios; it would also give it a foothold in Eastern Europe through partnering of its distribution companies.

OFWAT SEEKS MORE CHOICE ON TAP

Ofwat, the water industry regulator, called on Friday for greater competition in the industry, envisaging a time when householders in England and Wales could eventually choose their water provider. Legislation placed severe limits on competition, according to Regina Finn, Ofwat's chief executive. "We propose that more of the market is open progressively, starting with all business customers," she said. "In time, householders could be able to choose their water supplier, when the market is ready and safeguards are in place."

Prepared for Reuters by Durrants