Merkur Group announced on Wednesday its intent to acquire the slot machine provider White Hat Studios, pending regulatory approval. This move is aimed at bolstering Merkur’s expansion efforts in the U.S., following its earlier acquisition of the Nevada-licensed Gaming Arts in 2025.
Notably, the deal does not include the White Hat Gaming platform or its white label businesses, which will continue to operate independently.
Merkur anticipates that this acquisition will enable the newly combined entity to better support the growth aspirations of its operational partners while equipping White Hat Studios with enhanced resources and expertise to innovate in slot provision and broaden its omnichannel offerings.
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Supervisory Board, highlighted the significance of this acquisition within the broader context of the company’s ongoing digital expansion. "After establishing our presence in Europe’s online market with the acquisition of Blueprint in 2012, I am thrilled by this latest development and confident that White Hat Studios will enrich our group," he stated.
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Merkur Management Board, noted White Hat Studios’ impressive growth since inception, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the team to further their success in the U.S. market and Merkur’s overall advancement in regulated iGaming.
Andy Whitworth, President of White Hat Studios, emphasized the strategic nature of this acquisition for driving future growth. "Joining Merkur Group is a thrilling prospect for everyone at White Hat Studios. This decision represents the best possible opportunity to achieve our goals for expansion and product innovation. Collaborating with the seasoned Merkur team will unlock new avenues in iGaming and allow us to enhance our omnichannel capabilities, benefiting both operators and players alike."
