Novomatic Acquisition of French Casino Operator Vikings Casinos Now Complete
Austrian gaming technology company Novomatic has finalized the acquisition of France-based casino operator Vikings Casinos, marking the completion of a deal that was first announced in January. The transaction received full regulatory approval from all relevant French licensing authorities, allowing Novomatic to expand its footprint further into one of Europe's most competitive and highly regulated gambling markets.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:With this acquisition, Novomatic has secured ownership of 11 land-based casinos operated by Vikings Casinos across France. These venues collectively feature approximately 1,000 gaming terminals and are situated in key regions, including the prestigious Côte d'Azur. The French operator employs over 300 staff members and has built a notable presence in the local gaming sector since its inception in 1998.
Related: Novomatic Seeks Complete Control of Ainsworth Through New BuyoutVikings Casinos was originally established as a joint venture between Vikings SAS. Over the years, the company has evolved into a reputable player in the French gaming industry. Its operations are now overseen by Romain Foucher, who continues to serve as chairman and is responsible for managing the group's daily activities.
Novomatic emphasized that the acquisition aligns with its broader strategy to expand international market share. The company regards France as one of the important gaming jurisdictions in Europe, and purchasing Vikings Casinos is intended to solidify Novomatic's position as a leading gaming technology provider on the continent. The firm also views the move as a key step toward reinforcing its global expansion goals.
Following the acquisition, Novomatic noted that the endorsement from French regulatory bodies demonstrates confidence in its operational capabilities and technological credentials. The company stated that it now plans to further develop the local casino sector under its corporate umbrella, leveraging its experience as a multinational operator to enhance the performance and service offerings of the newly acquired venues.
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Novomatic Eyes Larger Global Position
The acquisition forms part of a broader international strategy for Novomatic, which earlier this year announced plans to prioritize growth in overseas markets. In January, the company disclosed an arrangement to offload Atlas Group, which owns Admiral Group, to the Tipico Group. The sale was part of Novomatic's restructuring efforts aimed at refining its operational focus and streamlining its business portfolio.
In addition to the Vikings Casinos deal, Novomatic has made headlines for its ongoing efforts to increase its stake in Ainsworth Game Technology. The company currently holds a 52.9% share in Ainsworth and launched a full takeover bid in April.
However, this attempt has encountered resistance from an activist investor and has been further complicated by legal issues involving Ainsworth's CEO Harald Neumann, who is under investigation by Austrian authorities for alleged corruption stemming from his prior role at Novomatic.
Despite these challenges, Novomatic continues to pursue its objective of becoming a dominant global player in the gaming industry. The integration of Vikings Casinos into its operations adds to the company's already extensive portfolio of gaming assets across Europe and, according to the company, is part of its commitment to expanding into high-potential markets through strategic acquisitions and investments.
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