Gaming1 joins forces with CVC.

Gaming1, the entertainment branch of Ardent Group, has just signed a major agreement to start a new stage in its growth. The active shareholders of the Liège-based company, the Belgian leader in games of chance, have just joined forces with CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII.

CVC will bring its expertise to drive the group's growth and enable it to become a global reference in the regulated online gaming market, through the continued development of its own technology and its unique omnichannel approach.

A strong and growing business:

The history of the Group's entertainment business began in Liege in 1992. In parallel with the development of its terrestrial network, the company gradually moved towards digital and developed its own technology platform. Today, in addition to its leading position in Belgium, Gaming1 is present in 9 countries around the world, including Portugal, France and the United States, thanks to its joint venture Gamewise, founded with the American giant Delaware North.

Active only in regulated markets, Gaming1 focuses exclusively on legal, responsible and ethical gaming. Gaming1 aims to offer the best gaming experience, always in a responsible manner and focused on regulated markets. The group currently has almost 1,300 employees, including more than 400 in its technology hub in Liege.

To accelerate its growth and become a global reference in the regulated online gaming market, the company wanted to partner with a new shareholder who could bring global industry and technology expertise. Emmanuel Mewissen, Sylvain Boniver and Nicolas Léonard, Gaming1's historical shareholders, will remain as core shareholders and look forward to partnering with CVC once regulatory approvals are in place. Throughout the process, Gaming1 has been assisted by the financial advice of BNP Paribas Corporate Finance.

An experienced investor of choice, aligned with Gaming1's growth strategy:

CVC is one of the world's largest private equity funds with $125 billion in assets under management. CVC's funds have extensive industry experience through its investments in Tipico, a German sports betting company, Italian operator Sisal, and UK player Sky Bet. In terms of digital expertise, CVC has invested in ironSource, a leader in mobile advertising and gaming technology, and Aleph, a global leader in digital advertising.

CVC has a global network of 25 offices, including 13 in Europe, and a well-established team in the Belgian market. This choice also allows Gaming1 to remain true to its roots and to continue to contribute to the development of the country's economic fabric, a mission that is dear to the Liege-based group.

Emmanuel Mewissen, CEO and founder of Ardent Group, explained this choice:

In a world of constant and rapid change, the key to success is adaptation. By partnering with CVC, we will benefit from their global industry and technology expertise, which will allow our company to continue to grow and strengthen our digital capabilities. However, we will remain true to our Belgian values and roots, as evidenced by the recent installation of our digital hub in the heart of Liege. This desire to be anchored and to contribute to the growth of our country is an integral part of our identity and will continue to guide us on a daily basis.