MONTREAL -- 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 CEO David Baazov.

The online gambling company didn't identify Baazov's allies by name but its executive VP 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 Baazov, who announced his interest on Feb. 1.

BNN business news channel reported on Friday that Baazov has hired Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs as financial advisers, according to three separate sources. BNN said Baazov wouldn't comment.