Merkur Group is expanding its U.S. operations through the agreed acquisition of market-leading slots provider, White Hat Studios.
Merkur Group’s will provide White Hat Studios with the capabilities to further push the boundaries of slot provision and extend its omni-channel offering.
Since its inception in 2021, White Hat Studios has rapidly grown to become one of the leading providers in the U.S. iGaming market, and the first to launch online slots across all seven regulated states. The company’s extensive portfolio includes the ever-expanding ‘House of Brands’ slot collection, the award-winning 7s Fire Blitz™ game series, and the Jackpot Royale™ progressive network.
Through this acquisition, Merkur Group will further accelerate its U.S. expansion, with the move complementing its recent acquisition of Gaming Arts, the Nevada licensed game and machine supplier. The expanded group is now positioned to support operating partners’ growth ambitions through its portfolio of both online-first and omni-channel games.
The agreed acquisition of White Hat Studios is subject to regulatory approvals.
The White Hat Gaming platform and white label businesses are not part of the transaction and will remain under their current ownership.
Andy Whitworth, President of White Hat Studios, said: “Joining Merkur Group is an exciting moment for everyone associated with White Hat Studios and, fundamentally, it is the best possible move to realise our ambitions for future growth and product innovation. Working alongside the hugely experienced Merkur team will open new possibilities for us across iGaming and enhance our ability to develop a world-class omni-channel proposition that will benefit both operators and players.”
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Merkur Management Board, commented: “White Hat Studios has delivered impressive growth since its launch. We look forward to working with the team to continue the U.S. success story and, in turn, Merkur’s expansion in regulated iGaming.”
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Supervisory Board, added: “Having made early inroads into the online space in Europe via our Blueprint acquisition in 2012, I am delighted by this latest development and am confident that White Hat Studios will be a great addition to our group.”
White Hat Studios was advised by Oakvale Capital. Legal advisors were CMS for White Hat Studios and Wiggin for Merkur.