Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) and CDC Gaming Monday published a discussion recorded at last week’s Global Gaming Expo regarding the previously announced merger of the two companies, which can be watched below. The conversation clarifies questions the industry has had about what the announcement means for the publications. The discussion was recorded at the Ainsworth Live broadcast desk and features IAG Vice Chairman and CEO Andrew Scott, CDC Gaming Publisher Cory Roberts, and IAG Managing Editor Ben Blaschke. Roberts and Scott both emphasized the merger will allow both companies to maintain their regional expertise while benefiting from shared resources and expanded global reach.

As recounted in the discussion, the partnership between IAG and CDC Gaming began in 2018, and over the years, the two companies have grown closer, culminating in merger talks six months ago. Andrew Scott emphasized that the merger is a “genuine merger of equals” rather than a takeover. Both companies will retain their brand identities — Inside Asian Gaming and CDC Gaming — but will operate under the umbrella of Complete Media Group.

It was emphasized that the merger would not result in any layoffs; instead, they plan to expand the workforce, leveraging the combined strength of the two companies to increase staff and enhance operations. The merger is focused on growth rather than cost-cutting.

The merger will allow for operational synergies, with IAG’s expertise in events, such as Power 50 and IAG Academy, complementing CDC’s strong technological base.

With this merger, Complete Media Group will establish a significant global presence, covering key markets across Asia, North America, and Latin America, with future plans to expand into Europe and Africa.