PARIS: Entertainment conglomerate Banijay Group announced Monday it has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Tipico Group and combine it with its existing Betclic business, a move that will create a European leader in sports betting and online gaming.
The deal, which values Betclic at €4.8 billion and Tipico at €4.6 billion, will bring the two complementary companies under a new entity, Banijay Gaming. The combined operation is projected to have served nearly 6.5 million active players in the past year and will operate more than 1,250 betting shops across Germany and Austria.
Upon completion, expected in mid-2026, Banijay Group will hold a controlling 65% stake in the combined entity. The founders of both Betclic and Tipico will remain as long-term shareholders, the company said.
“The addition of Tipico marks another decisive step in that journey and reinforces our position as a driving force in the European sports betting and gaming landscape,” said Stéphane Courbit, President of Lov Group Invest, Banijay’s controlling shareholder.
The transaction is designed to build scale in the highly regulated European market. Betclic is a digital-focused leader in France, Portugal, Poland and Côte d’Ivoire, while Tipico is an omnichannel powerhouse in Germany and Austria, with a significant retail presence.
On a pro forma basis, the combined Banijay Gaming would have generated revenue of €3.0 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €854 million in 2024, effectively doubling the scale of Banijay’s gaming division. The parent company, Banijay Group, said the deal would bring its total pro forma 2024 revenue to €6.4 billion.
“We are delighted to announce this transformative deal for Banijay Group,” said CEO François Riahi. “Tipico fits perfectly well in this strategy and is in line with our DNA: strong leader in two important markets, fully regulated, product focused, highly profitable.”
The companies expect to generate approximately €100 million in annual cost and revenue synergies in the medium term. Leadership changes will see Nicolas Béraud, founder and current CEO of Betclic, become Chairman of Banijay Gaming in 2026. Axel Hefer, CEO of Tipico, will remain in his role.
The transaction is subject to regulatory and merger control approvals.