• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Regulators block Novomatic bid for Casinos Austria

Sep 02, 2016 Newsdesk Latest News, Top of the deck, World  


Regulators block Novomatic bid for Casinos Austria

Austria-based gaming equipment maker Novomatic AG said its attempt to increase its stake in Casinos Austria AG has failed after that country’s authorities blocked the deal, citing competition concerns.

“Despite months of negotiations with the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), Novomatic could not come to a consensus over the requirements to acquire part of Casinos Austria,” said Novomatic in a press release on Thursday.

Novomatic claimed that despite making a number of concessions, the competition authority “denied the merger because it would allegedly restrict competition”.

“Unfortunately, it has become evident that the BWB, and the experts appointed by the BWB, have adopted a viewpoint that has precluded any solution that would be economically feasible for Novomatic,” said the firm’s chief executive, Harald Neumann, in a statement.

“Most of the requirements called for would not be commercially viable for the Novomatic group and would thwart the positive development of Casinos Austria,” he added.

Local media said the competition authority stated its proposed conditions would have been economically feasible.

In July 2015, privately-held Novomatic made binding offers for two equity stakes in Casinos Austria. Novomatic had secured a nearly 40-percent stake in Casinos Austria and planned to take over control jointly with a Czech consortium that has more than 11 percent of Casinos Austria.

Novomatic in February announced a “long-term strategic partnership” with Sazka Group a.s., under which the firms would pool their respective – already acquired or to be acquired – shares in Casinos Austria and Austrian Lotteries.

Partially state-owned Casinos Austria, founded in 1967, is the operator of Austria’s 12 casinos according to its official website.

Worldwide, the Novomatic group operates more than 235,000 gaming devices and video lottery terminals in more than 1,600 outlets, including gaming parlours and casinos.

Novomatic said the competition authority required the firm to make structural changes to its business regarding casinos operated by the group in the Czech Republic. Such measures “even included selling some locations”, said the company. “By the same token, the video lottery terminals operated by the Casinos Austria group would have been subject to restrictions, bringing significant economic disadvantages to both companies,” added Novomatic.

Mr Neumann said: “Until the last moment, we fought for a solution that would have been viable for everyone concerned. In order to avert substantial economic disadvantages for the company, we could not accept the requirements demanded of us.”

Novomatic said it would strategically re-evaluate the decision in terms of its impact regarding the group’s future investments in Austria. It added it reserved the right to appeal against the decision.

In August the gaming manufacturer and operator reported a turnover of EUR1.09 billion (US$1.23 billion) for the six months to June 30, up by 10.8 percent from the prior-year period.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • IGT and Novomatic’s Greentube in patent licensing deal
    IGT and Novomatic’s Greentube in...

    Jan 19, 2023  

  • Ainsworth to review dividend policy as recovers says chair
    Ainsworth to review dividend policy as...

    Nov 29, 2022  

More news
  • Macau early Feb average daily GGR higher than Jan: JPM
    Macau early Feb average daily GGR...

    Feb 06, 2023  

  • Macau tour trade returns at historic areas, resorts says govt
    Macau tour trade returns at historic...

    Feb 06, 2023  


Latest News

Macau early Feb average daily GGR higher than Jan: JPM

Macau early Feb average daily GGR higher than Jan: JPM

Feb 06, 2023  

Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the first five days of February is estimated at MOP1.9 billion (US$235.1 million) – or MOP380 million per day – a level that suggests a “45...
Read More
Macau tour trade returns at historic areas, resorts says govt

Macau tour trade returns at historic areas, resorts says...

Feb 06, 2023  

Cambodia ops to Mar 31 for due tax on non-gaming: report

Cambodia ops to Mar 31 for due tax on non-gaming: report

Feb 06, 2023  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day

”The resumption [of mainland package tours] is definitely good news: recovering foot traffic for casinos [in Macau] is really important and their comeback will help with that”

Hoffman Ma Ho Man

Deputy chairman of Success Universe Group, promoter of casino-hotel Ponte 16



Most Popular

  • Return of tours good for mass floor traffic: observersReturn of tours good for mass floor traffic: observers February 3, 2023
  • Jaw-dropping wagers in Macau CNY survey: CitigroupJaw-dropping wagers in Macau CNY survey: Citigroup February 2, 2023
  • Galaxy Macau’s new arena to host K-pop group BlackpinkGalaxy Macau’s new arena to host K-pop group Blackpink January 9, 2023
  • Cyprus president says Melco CoD Mediterranean to aid nationCyprus president says Melco CoD Mediterranean to aid nation February 6, 2023
Copyright 2014-2023 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us