Tatts said it was assessing the unsolicited offer from the consortium -- which includes First State Superannuation Scheme, North Haven Infrastructure Partners and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co -- although its directors were still supportive of the Tabcorp merger.
Tabcorp and Tatts announced in October they were combining forces to create a powerhouse taking bets on horse racing and sports events across the country.
"Tatts has not yet formed a view on how the indicative proposal (from Macquarie) compares to the proposed Tabcorp merger," it said in a statement.
It added that "the directors of Tatts continue to believe the proposed Tabcorp merger is in the best interests of Tatts shareholders and unanimously recommend the proposed Tabcorp merger, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding the proposed Tabcorp merger is in the best interests of Tatts shareholders".
Shares in Tatts closed 8.45 per cent higher at Australian Dollars 4.49 today.
No comment was immediately available from Macquarie.
Tatts Group has a betting shop network in the states of Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania and also operates a lotteries business.
Tabcorp Holdings runs similar operations in Victoria and New South Wales, and has a broadcasting and media arm built around Sky Racing.
Both companies also compete in online gambling.
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