Novomatic completes sale of Admiral Austria to Tipico
Europe’s largest gaming technology group, NOVOMATIC AG, has completed the sale of Admiral Austria to Tipico Group. The transfer of ownership followed the receipt of all required approvals from Austrian competition and regulatory authorities. The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
Under the agreement, Tipico has acquired 100% of Atlas Group GmbH, the parent company of Admiral Group, which operates more than 200 gaming venues and over 110 sports bars across Austria. Despite the change of ownership, Admiral Austria will continue to rely on NOVOMATIC’s gaming technology solutions.
Focus on global expansion
NOVOMATIC said the sale marks another milestone in its long-term international growth strategy. Stefan Krenn, Executive Board Member of NOVOMATIC AG, commented, “The completion of this transaction marks an important step in our global expansion strategy with a clear focus on international growth markets. Admiral has developed into an established market leader over the past decades, and we thank all Admiral employees for their great commitment. We are pleased to have found a strong and reliable technology partner in Tipico, who will successfully continue the company’s operations in Austria.”
The Austrian-based group operates in around 45 countries and supplies gaming equipment, systems, and lottery services to more than 130 markets. Its portfolio spans over 1,400 electronic and traditional casinos, lottery terminals, and other gaming venues. The company also provides products and services in land-based gaming, sports betting, lottery platforms, cash handling, and digital gaming.
Tipico strengthens Austrian presence
Tipico Group, a German-based sports betting and online slots operator, said the acquisition will strengthen its position in Austria and the wider German-speaking market. Axel Hefer, CEO of Tipico Group, stated,“We are delighted about the successful completion of this transaction. Admiral is a leading Austrian company with a strong legacy, and clear potential for future growth. Both companies are synonymous with state-of-the-art technology, innovative products and a high focus to player protection. Our future collaboration is very good news for our customers.”
As part of the conditions set by Austrian competition authorities, Tipico will divest a significant share of its existing Austrian retail outlets. The remaining shops will be integrated into Admiral’s retail network, which will continue to operate under the Admiral brand. Both Tipico and Admiral will also maintain their online offerings in the Austrian market.
Wider business developments
The sale comes at a time when NOVOMATIC is pursuing several international growth initiatives. In April, the company was granted a vendor licence in the United Arab Emirates, opening the door to expansion in the Middle East. In August, NOVOMATIC increased its stake in Australian slot manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology to 55.2% and launched a takeover offer for the shares it does not yet own.
NOVOMATIC has put forward a cash offer of A$1.00 per share for the Ainsworth shares it does not yet own. The company called the offer “final” and “unconditional”. It is running at the same time as the existing scheme of arrangement and gives shareholders a 35% premium compared to the price before the announcement. NOVOMATIC said it plans to delist Ainsworth if it gains enough control.
Stefan Krenn added that the acquisition of Ainsworth shares is consistent with NOVOMATIC’s international expansion drive and reflects its ambition to grow its presence in the Asia-Pacific and US markets.
A step forward for both companies
The completion of the Admiral Austria sale allows NOVOMATIC to sharpen its focus on expansion abroad, while Tipico gains a stronger foothold in Austria. Both companies have stressed that their cooperation will continue through technology partnerships.
“This transaction underscores NOVOMATIC’s long-term focus on global expansion and marks another important milestone in its international growth strategy,” the company said in a statement.
Tipico, meanwhile, highlighted the growth prospects the acquisition brings. “This investment marks an important step in Tipico’s growth strategy and underscores our leading role in the German-speaking markets,” Hefer added.
