Banijay Group has taken a decisive step into the global iGaming sector with the acquisition of a 65% majority stake in Tipico Group from CVC Capital Partners. The €3 billion cash-backed deal will merge Tipico with Betclic, forming Banijay Gaming, a unified force in regulated sports betting and gaming across Europe.
The combined entity is expected to generate €6.4 billion in annual revenue and €1.4 billion in EBITDA, establishing Banijay as the fourth-largest iGaming operator in Europe. Tipico’s strong market position in Germany and Austria complements Betclic’s presence in France and Portugal, providing geographic diversification and operational scale.
Under the terms of the deal, Tipico’s founders will roll over 100% of their shares, while Banijay has the option to increase its ownership to 72%. The acquisition includes Admiral Austria, a retail betting network and gaming terminal business, further strengthening Banijay’s retail footprint with over 1,250 shops.
Leadership changes will follow, with Betclic CEO Nicolas Béraud becoming chairman of Banijay Gaming’s board, Julien Brun stepping in as Betclic CEO, and former Tipico CEO Joachim Baca appointed as vice-chairman.
According to Banijay CEO François Riahi, the merger represents a “transformative step” that aligns with the company’s strategy of scaling in regulated markets and leveraging its entertainment expertise. Analysts at Regulus Partners expect the merger to drive long-term value, noting both Betclic and Tipico’s operational excellence in complex regulatory environments.
The deal is set to close in mid-2026, pending regulatory approval, positioning Banijay Gaming as a formidable competitor to leading operators across Europe’s dynamic betting landscape.
