Banijay Group is taking a major leap into the gaming world. The company has struck a deal to buy CVC’s majority stake in Tipico and merge it with Betclic, combining two of Europe’s biggest local betting brands. The Banijay Tipico merger will double Banijay’s gaming revenue and create a serious heavyweight in sports betting and online gaming across Europe.

  • The deal values Betclic at €4.8bn and Tipico at €4.6bn. Banijay will own 65% of the new company, Banijay Gaming, and could raise that to 72% through agreed call options. The founders of both Betclic and Tipico are staying on as long-term shareholders.

  • On a pro forma basis, the combined business would have brought in €6.4bn in revenue and €1.4bn in adjusted EBITDA in 2024. Banijay Gaming itself will generate around €3bn in annual revenue and employ more than 5,000 people, serving about 6.5 million active players across its brands.

  • Nicolas Béraud, who founded Betclic, will step up as Chairman of Banijay Gaming from January 2026. Tipico’s Axel Hefer will continue as CEO, with former Tipico boss Joachim Baca taking a Vice-Chairman role.

  • The Banijay Tipico merger is expected to deliver around €100m in annual synergies over the next few years, driven by tech integration, platform efficiencies and cross-market growth. Banijay’s leverage will start at 3.5x EBITDA but is expected to drop below 2.5x within three years thanks to strong cash generation.

  • Together, Betclic and Tipico will form Europe’s fourth-largest gaming operator and the leading sports betting player in continental Europe. Betclic brings digital strength and product know-how, while Tipico adds a vast retail presence and local market dominance in Germany and Austria.

  • Banijay’s gaming arm will now include three brands — Betclic, Tipico and Admiral — all focused on regulated markets. Combined, they operate more than 1,250 betting shops in Germany and Austria, offering both online and retail betting.

  • Financing for the deal, worth about €3bn, is already secured. The funds will also refinance Tipico’s existing debt. CVC will remain as a minority shareholder for now, while Tipico’s founders are rolling over their entire stakes into Banijay Gaming.

  • François Riahi, CEO of Banijay Group, said: “This is a transformative deal for Banijay. Tipico fits perfectly with our DNA — a strong brand, solid leadership, and deep roots in regulated markets.”

  • Tipico CEO Axel Hefer called the combination “a pivotal milestone,” saying it gives the group the scale to invest more in technology and innovation. “Joining forces with Betclic gives us the platform to reach new customers and set new standards,” he said.

  • The merger still needs regulatory approval and is expected to close by mid-2026. Until then, both Betclic and Tipico will keep running independently, maintaining their own brands and management teams.

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