Banijay Group Acquires 65% of Tipico and Plans to Merge it With Betclic

Banijay Group is moving deeper into the gaming industry after acquiring a 65% stake in Tipico Group from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. The company plans to merge Tipico with Betclic, creating one of the largest regulated sports betting and iGaming operators in Europe.

Good to Know

• Banijay’s deal values Tipico at €4.6 billion and Betclic at €4.8 billion.
• The company aims to hold up to 72% of the new entity through call options.
• The combined operation will manage over 1,250 retail betting shops across Europe.

Under the deal, Banijay will pay cash backed by a €3 billion financing package and expects to finalize the acquisition by mid-2026, subject to merger control and regulatory approvals. Tipico’s founders will retain their full shareholding by rolling 100% of their equity into the new company, Banijay Gaming.

Following the merger, Banijay Gaming will operate in regulated markets including Germany, Austria, France, Portugal, Poland, and Ivory Coast. On a pro forma basis, the group projects annual revenue of around €6.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €1.4 billion for 2024.

Expanding Presence Across Europe

Banijay said the combined business will become the fourth-largest sports betting and gaming operator in Europe, with the strongest presence in continental markets. The integration of Tipico and Betclic strengthens its retail footprint while expanding its online reach.

Banijay CEO François Riahi described the deal as “transformative,” calling Tipico an ideal fit for the company’s long-term strategy.  Riahi said:

“Tipico fits perfectly well in this strategy and is in line with our DNA: strong leader in two important markets, fully regulated, product focused, highly profitable, providing us – in the sports betting business – with the reach, the scale and the diversification that already make the strength of our content business.”

Admiral Austria and Strategic Divestments

The acquisition also includes Tipico’s Admiral Austria business, which the operator bought from Novomatic earlier this year. Admiral manufactures betting terminals and runs a network of Austrian retail outlets.

To streamline its operations, Betclic will divest its 53.9% stake in German betting operator Bet-at-home, which has struggled with tighter regulation and flat revenue in recent quarters.

The merger will also reshape leadership within Banijay Gaming. Starting January 1, 2026, Betclic CEO Nicolas Béraud will serve as chairman of Banijay Gaming’s board, while Lov Group Invest remains as president. Julien Brun, currently Betclic’s COO, will step into the CEO role at Betclic.

Former Tipico CEO Joachim Baca will become vice-chairman of Banijay Gaming’s board, and current Tipico CEO Axel Hefer will continue in his role.

FAQ

Who bought Tipico?

Banijay Group purchased a 65% stake in Tipico from CVC Capital Partners and plans to merge it with Betclic.

When will the merger be completed?

The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, pending regulatory approval.

What is included in the deal?

The acquisition includes Tipico’s Admiral Austria operations and excludes Betclic’s stake in Bet-at-home, which will be sold.

What markets will Banijay Gaming operate in?

The group will be active in Germany, Austria, France, Portugal, Poland, and Ivory Coast—all locally regulated jurisdictions.

Who will lead the new company?

Betclic CEO Nicolas Béraud will become chairman, with Axel Hefer continuing as Tipico CEO and Joachim Baca as vice-chairman.

The post Banijay Group Acquires 65% of Tipico and Plans to Merge it With Betclic appeared first on iGaming.org.