Slot maker subject of takeover speculation

Friday, Feb. 15, 2002 | 10:01 a.m.

CHICAGO -- WMS Industries Inc. of Chicago, which makes gambling machines and video-lottery terminals, would be an attractive takeover target, Business Week reported in its "Inside Wall Street" column.

National Amusements, the holding company for Viacom Inc. Chief Executive Sumner Redstone and owner of 30 percent of WMS shares, has continued to buy WMS stock on the open market and some analysts think it may one day make an offer for the entire company, the magazine reported.

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd., an Australian gambling-machine maker, may be interested in acquiring WMS to compete with International Game Technology of Reno, the magazine reported.

WMS shares are worth about $20 each, according to Jason Ader, an analyst with Bear Stearns & Co., Business Week reported.

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