GLI to be acquired by Avalon Buyer Limited under CVC control
Private equity signals renewed interest in global gaming compliance sector.
Key points:
– Avalon Buyer Limited to gain majority control of GLI, Kobetron and Worldwide Laboratories
– Acquisition under review by competition regulators in Austria and Malta
– GLI plays a central role in testing and certifying gaming systems across global markets
Avalon Buyer Limited, a UK-registered entity backed by CVC Capital Partners affiliates, has announced plans to acquire more than 50% of Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) along with its associated firms, Kobetron and Worldwide Laboratories.
The acquisition will give Avalon full control over GLI’s testing, inspection and certification operations, widely regarded as critical infrastructure for the gaming industry.
According to filings with competition authorities in Austria and Malta, the proposed merger is currently under regulatory assessment. Austrian regulators have set a deadline of 31 July for public comments from affected parties. The review period in Malta has already concluded.
GLI, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey, operates 32 offices worldwide. The company provides compliance services for land-based and online gaming platforms, as well as support in cybersecurity, responsible gaming and consulting. Its influence has been especially prominent in developing regulatory frameworks in jurisdictions such as Australia, Macau, Brazil and the UAE.
Good to know: GLI’s main competitor, BMM Testlabs, was also acquired by a private equity group earlier this year
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. However, given GLI’s scale and recent expansion into digital services, the transaction is expected to be substantial. Avalon Buyer Limited was incorporated in April and is led by CVC executives based in the United States.
CVC Capital Partners has a long track record of investment in gaming and sports businesses. Although it scaled back its gaming exposure in recent years, the acquisition of GLI may reflect a renewed strategic interest in the sector.
It remains unclear whether GLI’s founders, James Maida and Paul Magno, will retain roles following the sale.
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