Private equity investor Blackstone plans to list shares of Spanish gambling company Cirsa in the first half of 2025 in an initial public offering.

Blackstone would raise between 700 million euros and 1 billion euros,floating between 20% and 25% of Cirsa.

The investment fund has hired Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley as global coordinators, according to reports.

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Cirsa, Blackstone, Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Blackstone acquired Cirsa, which operates casinos and betting shops across Spain and Latin America, in 2018 for an undisclosed sum.

In 2021, a Spanish newspaper reported Blackstone was considering a Cirsa IPO in a deal that would value the company at around $3.4 billion.

Betsson Group’s Customer Service team has been shortlisted for the “Best Customer Experience” at this year’s prestigious CX Exchange Awards 2024.

Melissa Zalbeigi, Director of Customer Service Operations at Betsson Group, said: “We are honoured and excited to be nominated for this award. It’s a privilege to be recognised alongside industry leaders and to compete against such esteemed companies. This nomination is a testament to our team’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service.”

Following a strong showing at G2E 2024 in Las Vegas, where Quixant highlighted its expanded range of processors and graphics configurations for its QMAX 3 hardware platform and launched the IQ Connect, the company looks forward to continuing its tradition of showcasing breakthrough technology at ICE. From cost-effective and powerful options like the IQ range, to the robust and reliable IQON range, all the way to the maximum power and performance of the QMAX range, Quixant’s Intel and AMD-based platforms span a spectrum of power, performance and cost requirements to meet the unique needs of gaming businesses worldwide.

Known for its customisable design and easy serviceability, the QMAX 3 sets new standards in gaming hardware. Launching the enhanced offering to the European market for the first time at ICE, the product now features processor options that include a budget-friendly Celeron for cost-conscious projects, alongside higher-performance Intel Core i5 and i7 options. The product also allows customers to choose configurations with or without a discrete GPU (dGPU), enabling them to tailor graphics capabilities to project needs. This flexibility empowers game developers to strike the ideal balance between performance, power and budget, making it an unparalleled solution for diverse market demands.

Returning to ICE by popular demand, Quixant’s IQ 2 platform is designed to offer powerful, cost-effective performance for a range of gaming applications. It is proving to be the ideal solution for delivering high-quality gaming experiences at a budget-friendly price.

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Also to be highlighted at the Quixant booth are its embedded Software Suite solutions, which provide game developers a comprehensive toolset to optimise the game development process, simplify deployment, ensure compliance and maintain robust security. The solutions allow developers to focus on creating immersive player experiences, in the confidence that the technical aspects are covered by Quixant’s range of solutions.

Quixant’s newly launched IQ Connect 1 will also be showcased at the booth, a platform which was designed for the North American route and distributed gaming market and other markets that require a JAMMA connector. Equipped with advanced JAMMA expansion capabilities, it is an ideal fit for cabinets and kiosks requiring JAMMA connectors, seamlessly integrating flexibility, power and affordability into one solution. The product is positioned to elevate gaming experiences in cost-sensitive markets without sacrificing performance.

Mark Price, SVP Sales & Operations, EMEA & RoW for Nexteq PLC, the parent company of Quixant, shared: “We have always been about empowering our customers to focus on creating unforgettable gaming experiences. With ICE moving to Barcelona, it is a new era, and we are eager to support our customers with game-changing technology, robust supply chain solutions, and our embedded Software Suite that comprehensively addresses power, performance, security, and regulatory compliance. Our goal is to make it simpler, faster, and more cost-effective for gaming leaders to bring their vision to life.”

Price continued: “ICE 2025 arrives at a pivotal time for the gaming industry, particularly in Latin America. With Brazil’s sports betting legalization set to take effect this January and land-based gaming legislation advancing, regional growth opportunities are growing. As we prepare to meet with our LatAm customers and prospects at the show, we are committed to supporting this expansion with adaptable, cost-effective hardware solutions designed to help clients succeed in these evolving markets.”

Price concluded: “To help our customers stay ahead in Brazil as the regulatory landscape unfolds, Quixant has partnered strategically with Novatrade to ensure a secure supply chain with stock held in Brazil. This partnership simplifies regulatory compliance and reduces costs for both Quixant and its customers. With local operations and a bonded warehouse, we can defer import duties and taxes, while dual stock locations in Brazil and Taiwan allow for quick fulfilment. Additionally, issuing local invoices in Brazilian Reais makes the purchasing process seamless for our customers.”

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Michael Minor, SVP Sales & Operations, North America for Nexteq PLC, said: “Our focus at Quixant has always been to drive innovation in gaming technology, equipping our global customers with the solutions they need to excel in a highly competitive industry. With each new generation of products, we aim to empower our customers to create even more memorable gaming experiences, backed by technology that is as adaptable as it is powerful. With the introduction of solutions like the enhanced QMAX 3, the IQ 2, and the IQ Connect 1, we are positioned to empower our global partners with the technology and flexibility they need to succeed in this dynamic landscape.”

Minor continued: “We are thrilled to bring the IQ Connect 1 to ICE, giving industry professionals another opportunity to experience how this innovative platform complements our product portfolio. The product is a transformative addition for the North American market. By combining the compact and high-performance design of the IQ 2 with advanced JAMMA functionality, we have created a platform that stands out for its versatility, power, and cost-effectiveness.”

Whether a traditional game developer, or you are looking to move from the online gaming world to the land based space, Quixant have highly adaptable, specialist gaming solutions. As the team prepares to engage with industry leaders at ICE 2025, they are excited to discuss how their solutions can address shifting market needs.

Attendees can find Quixant at stand 3F42, where they are invited to explore how Quixant’s powerful and adaptable platforms and extensive support services drive efficiencies and industry success in this rapidly evolving market.