As reported by InterGame last week, the Gauselmann Group of Germany has confirmed that it has acquired the assets of the UK’s second largest AWP operator, Sceptre Leisure.
Financial advisor Duff and Phelps completed the financial restructuring and sale of Sceptre’s main trading business following the placing of certain companies within the group into administration on February 11. It was at this point that the core trading businesses and a number of subsidiary shareholdings were sold to ADP Gauselmann UK.
The businesses have continued to trade and there have been no redundancies as a result of the process.
“Sceptre Leisure underwent a successful financial restructuring process and sale,” said Philip Duffy, MD of Duffy and Phelps. “This leaves it in a strong position to continue trading in the future.”
Gauselmann, which was already a shareholder in Sceptre, has invested in several other UK businesses in recent years, including Blueprint Gaming, Praesepe and Betcom. This, however, will be the company’s first investment, other than minority shareholdings, in the British operating sector.
“The acquisition of the Sceptre Leisure assets was the most effective way of ensuring the future security and prosperity of both customers and staff,” said Jürgen Stühmeyer, member of the board for sales at the Gauselmann Group. “The Gauselmann Group will be working closely with the management team at Sceptre Leisure to provide all the support it needed to create a platform for innovation and growth in the UK market place.”
The expansion of the Gauselmann Group in the UK is expected to accelerate with the acquisition of this new subisidary.
Said Stühmeyer: “I am pleased that we will be able to make even more use of the synergy effects created so far. The Gauselmann Group has developed to become an established force in the British gaming market – both in games development as well as in machine sales and arcade operations – and all sides are profiting from this.”
Gauselmann is now in discussion with another major gaming company regarding a possible investment in the business designed to further strengthen the company’s position.
