Novomatic has revealed it’s buying Viking Casinos to expand its footprint in France and take over 11 land-based casinos. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Gaming firm Novomatic is looking to expand its global footprint, and its latest move is to acquire the French-based Viking Casinos SAS for an undisclosed sum. The deal will need all the relevant regulatory approvals before proceeding and would see Novomatic add 11 land-based casinos to its portfolio.

one of the country’s biggest casino companies

Viking Casinos started in 1998, growing into one of the country’s biggest casino companies since then. The country’s land-based sector has been under fire recently, with some lawmakers calling for the legalization of online casinos, which properties fear would significantly eat into their businesses and lead to closures.

Commenting on the planned acquisition, Novomatic AG Executive Board Member Stefan Krenn remarked that it provides “the foundation for further sustainable growth in France.”

Viking Casinos SAS CEO Luc Le Borgne echoed these sentiments and believes that the company will benefit from Novomatic’s resources and expertise, allowing it to become more efficient.

Austria-based Novomatic already has an impressive portfolio of properties across the world, operating over 2,000 facilities in approximately 50 countries. It also manufactures slot machines and other gambling-related technology.