Gaming1, the Belgian betting and gaming firm based in Liège, has agreed to acquire Pac-Man NV, the holding company behind Carousel Group, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal sees Gaming1 take full ownership of 100% of Pac-Man NV’s shares, bringing Carousel Group firmly into its expanding portfolio of digital casino operations.
The acquisition builds on a long-running partnership between Gaming1 and Carousel Group that stretches back to 2012, making the deal a natural progression of an established commercial relationship.
Once completed, Gaming1 will gain Pac-Man NV’s licence and digital operations in Belgium, significantly expanding its reach within the country’s online casino market.
The transaction arrives at a time of difficult regulatory adjustments in Belgium, making the consolidation of digital licences and established platforms particularly valuable for operators seeking stability.
Gaming1 confirmed that no employees will transfer between the two companies as part of the deal, which the firm says positions it well for a streamlined transition.
The company expects “smooth and effective integration” to begin imminently following the finalisation of the acquisition terms.
Sylvain Boniver, Chief Operating Officer of Gaming1, commented on the strategic importance of the move for the company’s long-term ambitions in the Belgian market.
“We believe this acquisition will further strengthen our digital presence in Belgium and enhance the fun and engaging entertainment experience we offer our players,” Boniver said.
“It will also support our ambition to provide a safe, responsible and distinctive offering in the regulated Belgian market,” he added, underlining Gaming1’s commitment to responsible gambling standards.
The sale also marks a notable separation between Carousel Group and 711, one of the leading gaming firms in the Netherlands and ranked sixth largest in the online market by traffic according to the Blask Index.
711 is owned by the De Backer family, a prominent Dutch business family who also hold ownership of Pac-Man NV and, by extension, Carousel Group.
The offloading of Carousel Group is reported to coincide with 711 pursuing its own international expansion push, suggesting the De Backers are reallocating resources toward new growth opportunities outside Belgium.
