MERKUR Casino UK acquires Leeds-based Victoria Gate Casino

Expanding MERKUR Casino UK’s portfolio in Leeds 

Following the successful launch of Aberdeen Casino in 2023 and its acquisition of Casino MK in Milton Keynes, MERKUR identified an opportunity to further expand its UK presence through the acquisition of Victoria Gate Casino – a popular entertainment venue located in the Victoria Gate shopping centre in Leeds. 

One of the largest casinos in the UK by size, Victoria Gate Casino offers a wide range of gaming experiences – including blackjack, poker, roulette, and the latest slot machines.  

As such, the acquisition presented a natural opportunity for MERKUR to expand its UK casino portfolio, strengthen its presence in a key regional city, and safeguard existing jobs under new ownership. The deal also reflected MERKUR’s continued confidence in the UK gaming industry, and its commitment to investing in quality leisure venues that support local economies.

How our legal experts supported MERKUR’s casino acquisition

The transaction, which saw MERKUR acquire Victoria Gate Casino from a subsidiary of VGC Developments Ltd, was led by Corporate Partner James Sparks, with cross-disciplinary support from specialists Paul Batchelor, Ashley Simpson and Daniel Bolderston in Corporate; Krystal Gibbins and Mark Anton-Smith in Real Estate; Daniel Mackelden, Milena Falciano-Padron and George Maynard in Commercial; and Katie Sharman and Jenny Colver in Employment. 

Working closely with MERKUR’s leadership team throughout the transaction, our specialists came together to provide coordinated legal support across disciplines to help deliver a smooth, successful acquisition.

A larger UK casino portfolio and protected local employment 

By supporting MERKUR Casino UK’s acquisition of Victoria Gate Casino, we helped the business secure a significant leisure and entertainment venue in a prime Leeds city centre location. 

The acquisition expanded MERKUR’s UK casino portfolio, reinforced its commitment to long-term investment in the UK gaming sector, and safeguarded local jobs through the continuation of the venue under new ownership. 

The successful completion of the transaction positions MERKUR for continued growth, while ensuring that Victoria Gate Casino can continue serving customers as an important part of Leeds’ hospitality and entertainment offering. 

Reflections from MERKUR Casino UK:

Commenting on the acquisition, Egemen Coskun, CFO of MERKUR Casino UK, said:

“Leeds is a vibrant city with a strong hospitality and entertainment scene, and we believe this casino represents a fantastic opportunity for MERKUR as we continue to grow our UK casino portfolio. We remaincommitted to investing in quality leisure venues and supporting the future of land-based gaming in the UK.

I’d like to thank James and the team at Knights for their hard work and collaborative approach throughout the transaction. Their ability to bring together the right specialists and work closely with our team helped support a smooth process and a successful outcome.” 

Reflections from Knights:

Reflecting on the transaction, Corporate Partner James Sparks shared:

“It was a pleasure to have advised MERKUR on yet another exciting transaction, having supported the team through their previous purchase of Casino MK last year.

I’m looking forward to seeing the casino at Victoria Gate flourish in its prime city-centre location and wish the management and wider MERKUR team the very best in their latest exciting venture.”  

Key results, in review: 

Overall, the transaction: 

• Safeguarded local jobs under new ownership. 
• Added one of the UK’s largest casinos to MERKUR’s portfolio. 
• Expanded MERKUR’s presence in the UK gaming and hospitality sector. 
• Supported MERKUR’s third casino venue in the UK. 
• Enabled continued investment in UK leisure and entertainment destinations.