Belgian Giants CVC and Gaming1 Join Forces in Historic Deal
Published January 9, 2022 by Lee R
The industry is about to get a look at how compatriot companies can expand globally from Belgium.
Leading Belgian operator Gaming1 has entered into a potentially historic deal with capital fund CVC.
The Historic Deal
Owned by Ardent Group, Liege-based Gaming1 shareholders have struck a deal to partner with CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII that integrates home-grown complementary strengths.
Investors with Tech Knowledge
Belgium-based CVC's investment expertise brings in-house integration capabilities through proprietary technological development and a trademark omnichannel approach.
Gaming1's Growth
In operation since 1992, Gaming1 has grown its land-based network into a leading digital offering through an in-house technology platform. After rising to the top of the Belgian market, Gaming1 has successfully expanded to nine key markets worldwide, including Portugal, France, and the United States.
Diverse HR Force
Known for compliance and ethical gaming, Gaming1 brings a superior player experience delivered by an HR force of some 1300 employees, 400 of whom are stationed at the original Liege HQ.
Gaming1 Organisational Goals
The new deal with CVC should accelerate Gaming1's organizational growth through CVC's added global, sector, and digital expertise.
New Structure
The new deal preserves historical Gaming1 shareholders Emmanuel Mewissen; Sylvain Boniver; and Nicolas Léonard as the reference shareholders in Gaming1. All have expressed excitement at the new connection to CVC as soon as all regulatory approvals are in place. Gaming1 is being supported through the entire process with consultation from BNP Paribas Corporate Finance.
CVC Strengths
Boasting over $125 billion in assets under management. CVC brings a diverse range of large-scale sector experience through fund investments in major iGaming projects such as German sports betting company Tipico; leading Italian operator Sisal; and the UK's Sky Bet, while honing
digital investment expertise through investments in tech giants such as mobile advertising and gaming tech leader ironSource; and leading global advertising enabler Aleph.
Ardent Group Leader Speaks
Ardent Group CEO and Founder Emmanuel Mewissen called adaptation the key to the deal's success, staying “loyal to our values and Belgian roots” as “an integral part of our identity and will continue to guide us daily.”
Outlook
Equipped with 25 offices worldwide, and 13 in Europe, including a well-established team in the Belgian market, CVC looks to be an ideal partner for Gaming1, with the power of investment on the home front increasing the momentum of global expansion.
