Gambling group Ladbrokes has bought Eastwood Bookmakers, Northern Ireland's largest bookmaker, for around £135m.

Ladbrokes has purchased 54 Eastwood shops, making it Northern Ireland's largest bookmaker with 70 outlets in total.

The firm already has 16 outlets in the country, acquired when it bought Northwest Bookmakers in 2006.

Barney and Frances Eastwood established Eastwood Bookmakers in the 1950s and developed the business to become one of Northern Ireland's best-known family bookmakers.

Barney Eastwood, Eastwood Bookmakers: "Ladbrokes is a world-leading name in betting and all our staff can be reassured that they will be investing in the business and offering more opportunities."

Of the acquired shops, 30 are located in and around Belfast with the remaining shops spread throughout Northern Ireland.

The purchase also includes Eastwood telephone betting business, which is headquartered in Belfast.

Commenting on the acquisition, Alan Ross, managing director Ladbrokes European Retail, said: "Today's acquisition of Eastwood establishes Ladbrokes as the biggest bookmaker in Northern Ireland.

"We bought our first shops in Northern Ireland in 2006 and our 16 shops have performed exceptionally well as customers respond to the wider product range, increased opening hours and refurbishments.

"We aim to repeat this success with Eastwood in the coming years."

Barney Eastwood added: "Ladbrokes is a world-leading name in betting and all our staff can be reassured that they will be investing in the business and offering more opportunities.

"The betting business is a fast-changing one and, having talked to several companies, we believe Ladbrokes were the best company to take the business forward in Northern Ireland."

Ladbrokes is already the largest bookmaker in the Republic of Ireland, where it operates 201 shops.