NOVOMATIC has acquired HBG Group, following the approval of the Italian Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies (AAMS).
NOVOMATIC has been operating in Italy, which is one of the world’s largest gaming markets by revenue, for more than 15 years and has established its position as the technology leader in Europe’s largest VLT market due to the high level of confidence of its licensed business customers in the Group’s innovative products and services.
HBG Gaming is one of the leading operators in the Italian market and is active both as a concessionaire of VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) and AWPs (Amusement with Prizes), as well as in the online gaming and sports betting segments and with the operation of bingo sites.
“With this acquisition, NOVOMATIC is sending a clear signal of further international expansion and can double its market share as a concessionaire in one of the key European gaming markets,” NOVOMATIC Executive Board Member Ryszard Presch said.
NOVOMATIC Executive Board Member Johannes Gratzl said: “With this successful closing of one of the largest takeover transactions in our company history, we have laid the foundation for further sustainable growth.”
In addition to the technological market leadership that has already existed for years, NOVOMATIC is now one of the largest operators of VLTs and AWPs in Italy in the operational segment and will further develop the online gaming and sports betting segments in this market in the future. With this transaction, the number of employees of the Group has increased to more than 3000 in Italy and to more than 21,900 worldwide.
Markus Büchele, CEO of NOVOMATIC Italia, said: “Exactly in the year of our 15th anniversary in Italy, we can continue on a very successful path thanks to a great partnership with HBG and grow further together.”
