Merkur Group has finalized its purchase of Gaming Arts, a Las Vegas-based firm, after receiving regulatory approval earlier this year. The deal officially closed on September 15, indicating Merkur’s return to the U.S. gaming industry after a 20-year absence.
In May, the Nevada Gaming Commission issued Merkur a license to manufacture and distribute its products within the state, simultaneously approving the acquisition of Gaming Arts, known for its expertise in slot machines, bingo, keno, and electronic table games. This acquisition provides Merkur with direct access to diverse U.S. markets and enhances its position in one of the globe’s most regulated gaming landscapes.
“The acquisition is crucial for our strategy to re-enter the U.S. market, recognized as one of the most respected and tightly regulated gaming environments globally. With Gaming Arts, we can now distribute Merkur products across various U.S. jurisdictions,” stated Dominik Raasch, a member of the Management Board at Merkur Games.
“This is a significant milestone in our international expansion beyond European borders.”
Gaming Arts currently has a workforce of 68. The company’s product lineup will include Merkur cabinets, particularly the newly launched Mod Ex series, integrated with Gaming Arts’ original game content.
“This collaboration elevates our initiatives at Gaming Arts. With Merkur’s global reach and resources supporting us, we are ready to deliver unparalleled innovation and top-tier execution like never before. We’re excited, aligned, and poised to embark on the next remarkable chapter of this company’s journey,” expressed Robert Ziems, CEO of Gaming Arts.
The integration builds upon a North American partnership initiated between the two companies in 2023. Gaming Arts offers an established customer base along with licenses in over 155 jurisdictions, thus providing Merkur with a solid foundation for growth in the North American market.
“This opens up exciting growth prospects in North America, enhances synergies within Merkur Group, and significantly contributes to our global expansion,” noted Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board at Merkur Group.
Merkur operates in over 90 countries and has been actively expanding internationally, including in the United Kingdom. The license from Nevada and the acquisition of Gaming Arts are anticipated to form the cornerstone of its strategy for entering the U.S. market, underscored by the firm’s dedication to regulatory compliance.
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Group Supervisory Board, emphasized the importance of the license granted in May. He remarked that the approval exemplifies a “legally compliant and forward-thinking approach across all sectors,” labeling the license as vital for the organization’s long-term aspirations. This development accompanies a trend wherein several international suppliers are making their foray into Nevada, underlining the U.S. market’s attraction.