Novomatic Expands into U.K.

The conclusion of this transaction, which began with initial discussions back in 2009, now creates an Astra UK Gaming Group that, based on 2011 reported figures, has a total turnover of £79.68 million and £15.73million EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) and employs a total workforce of 1,042. Throughout the lengthy period of discussion and negotiation Astra Games Limited was ably represented by Mr. Aled Walters, partner in Cardiff legal practice MLM Cartwright.

Each of the four ‘acquired’ companies will maintain their individual identities – being some of the most respected and iconic names in the UK gaming industry – and will conduct themselves with their existing staff and in a ‘business as normal’ manner.

The Astra UK Gaming Group will be managed by a five man Board of Directors. Zane Mersich, Managing Director of Astra Games since 2008, will become the Group’s CEO and will be joined by John Austin (Managing Director, Bell-Fruit Games), Chris Butler (Managing Director of Gamestec), Neil Paramore (CFO) and Paul Terroni, who moves from Danoptra to take up the role of Business Development Director within the new entity.

Now backed by the huge resources of the Novomatic Group a Technology Committee covering all aspects of the Astra UK Gaming Group will be established. To be chaired by Astra’s Game Design Director and Board member Andy Dinning, this committee will be responsible for directing new innovations in both analogue and digital gaming products and creating an overall policy of strategic research and development across all companies within the group.

THE OFT SUBMISSION PROCESS

As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Novomatic Group Astra Games Limited has progressed this transaction in full accordance with Group policy. This meant a full compliance with all relevant legal requirements, together with a full and complete due diligence process and, because of the significance of the proposed transaction to the wider UK gaming industry, a voluntary submission being made to the UK Office of Fair Trading.

Astra’s voluntary OFT submission was made on 17^th April, 2012 and was open to written representations on any competition or public interest issues, a process that Astra Games both welcomed and supported. One area of intense discussion has been the UK gaming industry’s wish to see Astra continue to develop, manufacture and support analogue gaming machines. Astra has frequently repeated its total commitment to the future development of both analogue and digital gaming equipment for the continued benefit of the UK industry and reinforces that commitment now. Welcoming the OFT’s statement of clearance on July 3^rd Zane Mersich, Managing Director of Astra Games Ltd., noted: “All of us involved in the process of bringing together Astra and Danoptra understand the importance, for the wider UK gaming industry as well as just the parties directly involved, of a deal that will now safeguard iconic industry names and the employment that they provide. We look forward now with great confidence and in the belief that the group of companies that we have created under the Astra banner will, from the outset, play a leading role in the development of the UK gaming industry.”

The ASTRA UK GAMING GROUP: COMPANY PROFILES and QUOTES

Astra Games Limited (based in Bridgend, South Wales) is the wholly owned subsidiary of Austria’s Novomatic Group, one of the world’s largest integrated gaming groups, that was founded in 1980 and which today employs more than 18,000 staff around the world and is the leading European producer of high-tech gaming equipment.

Astra itself was founded in 1992 by a group of gaming industry entrepreneurs from within the gaming industry enclave that still exists to this day in South Wales. In the autumn of 2004 the Bridgend-based company consolidated its position as a major force in the international gaming industry by becoming a subsidiary of the world-renowned Novomatic Group of Companies. From the start, Astra has continually broken new ground in gaming machine design. The company pioneered the multiplayer concept, followed by sit-down multi-players and video multiplayer products. And despite being much imitated, Astra machines remain market leaders.

Zane Mersich, CEO, continued: “To understand and appreciate the significance of the Astra UK Gaming Group one needs look no further than the recent history of Astra itself. When Novomatic acquired a majority shareholding in Astra back in 2004 it was against a background of promised investment and resources deployment. On 29^th November 2007 Astra proudly opened its new headquarters facility, Astra House, and moved into an entire new phase of groundbreaking innovation. With the acquisition of the Austrian internet gaming pioneer company Greentube in 2010 Astra provided what is now the third ‘leg’ of the Novomatic business: adding online gaming entertainment to Novomatic’s previous strategy of duality in manufacturing and land-based operations.

In the spring of 2011 Astra added to its portfolio a majority shareholding in Empire Games, a respected name in the UK gaming industry but a company that was starved of investment. All of these companies, not the least of which is Astra itself, have been able to grow and develop thanks to the investments made by Novomatic in finance, technology, organisation and secured management. Without doubt, this will now be mirrored in the development of Bell- Fruit Games, Gamestec, RLMS Sales and Mazooma Interactive Games.

My personal satisfaction at the conclusion of this deal is that we have grown Astra by a well considered acquisition and, in the process, have secured over 1,000 UK jobs and given some of the most iconic company names in the UK gaming entertainment industry their chance to shine once again. I look forward to the future with excitement and anticipation and I hope and believe that the many stakeholders in what has been a industry hard pressed of late by economic circumstance will see the opportunity to move forward in partnership with us towards a brighter, sustainable, future.”

Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt, CEO Novomatic AG added: "Following the take-over of Astra Games in 2004 and Empire Games in 2011 this major acquisition in the UK brings to our group a true domestic market in the gaming industry's home country. We are convinced that the synergies generated through the cooperation of the various companies will not only secure jobs but will also provide important impetus for our global growth as a group as well as for our business strategy that is traditionally based on the duality of business activities as a producer and as an operator."

Bell-Fruit Games combines experience with creativity to give the very best in quality, service and innovation.

The track record of Bell-Fruit Games during over 40 years in the industry is second to none. Focusing on the core skills of technology and games design, served by a flexible and efficient manufacturing facility, ensures that Bell-Fruit Games continues to deliver world class standards of performance.

Bell-Fruit Games Ltd (BFG), known originally as Bell-Fruit Manufacturing Co. Ltd, was formed in 1963 and quickly gained a reputation as a leading designer and manufacturer of gaming machines for the UK. 1999 signalled a distinct change of emphasis when the company focused its strategy on the design, development and manufacture of games, concentrating on the design and development process. In line with this re-alignment of focus to creative design, the company changed its name to Bell-Fruit Games and, under the new structure will become Bell-Fruit Group.

In the UK, the company is the leading player in AWP, Club Jackpot and SWP markets, both in traditional and video networked technologies, and enjoys a high reputation for constant innovation. From its established Nottingham base the company, which is immediately associated with its famous three bells logo, develops new games for European and other international markets, and employs almost 200 people.

Bell-Fruit Group aims to be known and recognized as a centre of excellence and innovation that consistently generates more successful games than any other company in the UK and Europe. In order to achieve its objectives the company is committed to recruiting and developing the best people and supporting their innovation with efficient, responsive manufacturing and marketing operations.

Gamestec, the UK’s No. 1 for electronic entertainment

Gamestec is the largest gaming and amusement operator in the UK, providing services for over 35,000 machines in 10,500 locations and employing almost 700 people nationwide. Gamestec has over 50 years of experience and expertise in the industry, which enables the company to deliver outstanding, tailored, services to answer the industry’s specific needs and to help boost cash-in-box profits.

Only Gamestec can offer the very best range of gaming equipment and amusement products, as selected from the industry’s leading manufacturers – and back up that equipment with an outstanding level of service and support. Gamestec works with a huge variety of products across a vast range of markets, and strives to offer the highest level of quality in both products and service to each and every customer.

As the undisputed UK market leader, Gamestec’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of market sectors. The company provides a high standard of service to companies large and small – ranging from national chains to local independents.

Innovation has never been more important as we seek to compete within the various gaming opportunities that are now open to customers: both in and out of venue.

The completion of the Astra deal is fantastic news for all the people at Gamestec. The massive improvements that we have been making with can now progress at full speed and we can look forward to delivering the solutions that the UK industry really needs.

RLMS Sales: Making the Difference

RLMS Sales has been making a difference in the Gaming and Amusement industry for over 30 years. It is a key player in the distribution of innovative world-class products and prides itself on excellent knowledge and service. With its vast range of brand leader products, the dedicated RLMS team will ensure customers are offered the very best products on the market at competitive prices. This is an exciting time for new products and RLMS Sales aim to make the very best available to our customers.

MAZOOMA: Providing the player with the ultimate gaming experience

Always striving for innovation, Mazooma Interactive Games (MIG) works in partnership with a wide range of valued customers across all sectors in the UK and abroad to develop profitable games across a variety of digital platforms.

Established 15 years ago, Mazooma has a rich pedigree in designing games that provide the player with the ultimate gaming experience. Innovation is the key driver behind our game concepts and we constantly strive to bring new features to the player, for example: through our latest online Community games.

Originally from a land-based background, Mazooma has more recently focused its attention on providing digital content to the internet gaming sector, to bookmakers and also to export markets in Italy and South America. With its in-house team of developers Mazooma concentrates on delivering innovative gaming solutions and adding real value to our partners.