Amaya says four employees may join CEO in buying PokerStars owner

The owner of PokerStars and other online gambling sites says several of its employees may be joining an effort to take the company private.

Amaya Inc. says it has been notified that its executive vice-president for corporate development, along with three other employees, may be participating in the potential takeover being contemplated by chief executive David Baazov.

The online gambling company didn't identify Mr. Baazov's allies by name but its executive vice-president for corporate development is Marlon Goldstein, who is also Amaya's general counsel.

Amaya says it still hasn't received a formal bid or offer from Mr. Baazov, who announced his interest on Feb. 1.

The company said a special committee of its board has tapped Barclays to review the expected all-cash offer from Mr. Baazov.

Earlier this month, Amaya disclosed that it had received a non-binding proposal from Mr. Baazov to take the company private for $21 a share.

The company said the special committee has also engaged Blake, Cassels & Graydon as its legal adviser in connection with the notice received from Mr. Baazov.

The special committee said it has yet to receive a formal bid and that there can be no assurance that Mr. Baazov's notice will result in a formal bid or offer.

With files from Reuters