Malaysian gambling firm Genting International confirmed Monday it had acquired control of Stanley Leisure, the United Kingdom's largest casino operator.

In a statement issued in Singapore where the firm is bidding for a casino licence, Genting said it has received acceptances from Stanley Leisure shareholders of about 25.3 percent of Stanley's current issued ordinary share capital in connection with the recommended cash offer.

"Therefore the total number of shares held by the Genting International Group or which it had agreed to acquire or in respect of which acceptances have been received is ... approximately 69.4 percent of the current issued ordinary share capital of Stanley," the statement said.

Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Genting International, said he was very pleased with the result and the speed with which the offer had succeeded.

"It is relatively unusual to have achieved this level of acceptances at the first closing date. We are keen to acquire full control of Stanley through further acceptances of the offer," Lim said.

Major gambling operator

The cash offer of 860 pence per share values Stanley Leisure at 639 million pounds (1.193 billion US dollars).

Stanley operates 45 casinos across the UK and has international gaming interests in Italy, Belgium, Germany, Croatia and Romania through joint ventures.

"The significant investment in Stanley is part of Genting International's vision to be a major gaming operator in the world," the firm said in a statement.

Bids close on Tuesday for Singapore's second casino development on Sentosa island.

Genting International and Star Cruises, part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, are bidding against Las Vegas firm Eighth Wonder and a team of Bahamas-based Kerzner International and CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest property group.