Gaming content giant Playtech has acquired rival operator Best Gaming Technology for €138m.

Playtech acquires BGT

Playtech, founded and backed by Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi, said it has bought 90 per cent of the Austria-based BGT in an all-cash deal, with the option to buy the remaining shares for up to €55m.

BGT develops software for self-service betting terminals, currently supplying software to more than 24,000 machines across Europe.

Playtech chief executive Mor Weizer said in a statement: “We believe that the future of gaming is for retail operators to digitise their offering, creating an opportunity to extend beyond retail and into online including web and mobile.

“This follows the same trends we see in other commercial sectors around the world with the modernisation and digitisation of betting shops not only improving the retail experience but also adding a whole new channel as it integrates into an online offering.”

Armin Sageder, founder and chief executive of BGT, is to remain with the company for at least three years.

Source: ft.com