Tribute to Paul Gauselmann, founder of Merkur Group

The WorldGaming team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Gauselmann, founder of the Merkur Group and an inspirational personality who made a profound contribution to the development of the international industry. His long-term support of ICE also helped smooth its 2025 relocation from London to Barcelona.

Paul Gauselmann epitomised the qualities of entrepreneurship, drive, creativity, vision and empathy that underpin this industry. 

As well as building a one-man business into an international Group employing more than 15,000 people and generating more than €2 billion in turnover, he will also be remembered as an inspirational force for positive change and a person of great kindness. 

Paul believed in giving something back and supported numerous projects in the fields of social welfare, culture, sport and health. In recognition of his social commitment, he was made an honorary citizen of the cities of Espelkamp and Lübbecke in 2004. A year earlier, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, by the then-president of Germany.

For more than 38 years, he helped shape the industry, including 28 years as Chairman of the Board of the Association of the German Vending Machine Industry (Verband der Deutschen Automatenindustrie e.V.) and played a key role in its development into a major economic sector. 

Paul Gauselmann was a giant of the global industry and his presence was felt at every edition of ICE. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to everyone associated with the Merkur Group.