Merkur Group has announced plans to acquire White Hat Studios, a slots provider, in a move aimed at bolstering its expansion within the United States. This acquisition is pending regulatory approval and follows Merkur’s 2025 purchase of Nevada-licensed Gaming Arts, which they anticipate will further enhance their US presence.
It’s important to note that the deal does not encompass White Hat Gaming’s platform or its white label operations, which will continue under separate ownership. Merkur is optimistic that this acquisition will enable the enlarged company to support the growth needs of its operational partners. In addition, it will provide White Hat Studios with the necessary expertise and resources to enhance its slot offerings and expand its omnichannel solutions.
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Supervisory Board, framed this acquisition as a significant step in the company’s online growth strategy. He expressed enthusiasm about the integration of White Hat Studios, reflecting on their early ventures into online markets in Europe through the acquisition of Blueprint in 2012. Gauselmann stated, "I am delighted by this latest development and am confident that White Hat Studios will be a great addition to our group."
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Merkur Management Board, emphasized White Hat Studios’ remarkable growth since its inception. He expressed eagerness about collaborating with the White Hat team to enhance the success of both the studio and Merkur’s expansion in regulated iGaming markets.
The acquisition has been hailed as a pivotal move for White Hat Studios. President Andy Whitworth remarked that joining Merkur Group represents a major opportunity to fast-track their growth objectives. "It is fundamentally the best possible move to realize our ambitions for future growth and product innovation," Whitworth said. He highlighted the potential benefits of collaborating with the seasoned Merkur team to improve their iGaming offerings, creating a world-class omnichannel experience for operators and players alike.
