Paul Gauselmann, the founder of the Merkur Group, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 91. He transformed the company from a single-person operation into a global enterprise with over 15,000 employees and annual revenues reaching approximately €2.1 billion.
The Merkur Group announced his death via LinkedIn, honoring him as one of the last patriarchs of the post-war era. They described him as a man who fought valiantly with grand aspirations, while also cherishing his roles as a devoted father, grandfather, and husband.
Born in Borghorst near Münster in 1934, Gauselmann entered the amusement machine industry in 1956, following a background in telecommunications. He began his career by launching a jukebox business in 1958 and achieved self-sufficiency by 1964.
A milestone in his career came in 1977 with the introduction of the Merkur B machine, the first product of his company. Throughout his 38 years in the industry, Gauselmann played a vital role in various trade organizations, contributing significantly to the German amusement sector.
In its tribute, Merkur Group expressed that Gauselmann embodied the values of an old-school entrepreneur, living modestly with a focus beyond material gain. He found joy in community service, supporting initiatives like new childcare facilities, fire engines, and enhanced medical services. The company commemorated his legacy as that of an extraordinary individual, bidding farewell with humility and profound gratitude.
