Betfred, led by Chairman and founder Fred Done, are the world's biggest independent bookmakers and the UK's biggest independent high street retailer with over 700 shops, 5000 employees and a turnover in excess of £1.5 billion.

Betfred are also the official bookmakers and gaming partner for Wembley Stadium and Manchester United.

Company Facts:

* Established 1967 by brothers Fred and Peter Done

* World's biggest independent bookmaker

* UK's biggest independent high street retailer

* Over 700 shops across the UK

* Annual turnover in excess £1.5 billion

* One of the top four bookmakers in the UK

* More bonuses and consolations than any other bookmaker

* Betfred telephone betting launched 2002

* Betfred.com online betting launched 2004

* Betfredcasino.com launched 2005

* Betfredpoker.com launched 2005

* Betfred 'Games' launched 2005

* £70 million being spent on expansion over the next five years

* 800 shops across the UK by 2008

* Entered the Sunday Times Top Track 100 list of Britain's biggest private companies in 2005 in 56th place, currently 38th

BETFRED Firsts:

* Inventors of the Lucky 15

* First bookmaker to offer daily early price races

* Created the first 'betting shop millionaire' when Stuart Bolland picked up a cheque for over £1m from a 'Scoop 6' bet at Betfred's Cadishead, Manchester branch.

* First bookmaker to offer 'best price' guaranteed races

* First bookmaker to payout on disqualified horses after stewards enquiries, win, each way, singles and multiples

* First bookmaker to offer odds of 500/1 for three correct numbers on the Irish Lotto

* First bookmaker to abolish 5p rule four deductions

* First bookmaker to offer singles on football matches

* First bookmaker to offer a 'back or lay' service on football matches

* First national bookmaker to pay 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5 and 1/5 odds 1,2,3,4,5,6 on golf tournaments

* First bookmaker to go 'N/R no bet' on week of race bets for major races