Merkur Group expands US operations with White Hat Studios acquisition

Merkur Group has agreed to acquire the slots provider White Hat Studios, the company announced on Wednesday.

Merkur says the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will “further accelerate” its US expansion, complementing its 2025 purchase of the Nevada-licensed supplier Gaming Arts.

The White Hat Gaming platform and white label businesses are not included in the deal and will remain under their current ownership.

The company hopes the deal will allow the expanded group to support the growth ambitions of its operating partners, while also providing White Hat Studios with the expertise and resources to “further push the boundaries” of slot provision and extend its omnichannel offering.

Framing the acquisition as the latest step in the company’s online expansion, Merkur Supervisory Board Chairman Michael Gauselmann stated: “Having made early inroads into the online space in Europe via our Blueprint acquisition in 2012, I am delighted by this latest development and am confident that White Hat Studios will be a great addition to our group.”

Lars Felderhoff, chairman of the Merkur Management Board, added: “White Hat Studios has delivered impressive growth since its launch.

“We look forward to working with the team to continue the US success story and, in turn, Merkur’s expansion in regulated iGaming.”

The ‘best possible move’ for White Hat Studios

Andy Whitworth, president of White Hat Studios, said the acquisition would accelerate the provider’s long-term growth plans.

“Joining Merkur Group is an exciting moment for everyone associated with White Hat Studios and, fundamentally, it is the best possible move to realise our ambitions for future growth and product innovation,” he said.

“Working alongside the hugely experienced Merkur team will open new possibilities for us across iGaming and enhance our ability to develop a world-class omnichannel proposition that will benefit both operators and players.”