MERKUR’s sale of two of Europe’s largest bingo clubs

Bringing two of Europe’s biggest bingo clubs under new ownership 

MERKUR identified an opportunity to expand its slots and casino operations, seeking to sell two of its clubs, based in Cricklewood and Northampton, to Buzz Bingo – the UK’s largest bingo operator. 

Welcoming more than 400,000 guests collectively, the two venues represent two of Europe’s largest bingo clubs. 

Streamlining a complex sale

The transaction was led by Corporate Partners Paul Batchelor and James Sparks, with support from Corporate specialists Ashley Simpson and Paige Gillott (Corporate), and drawing on cross–disciplinary expertise from Mark Anton-Smith and Krystal Gibbins (Real Estate), Jenny Colver (Employment), Julian Moran (Tax), Dan Mackelden and Rayyan Mughal (Commercial), Tori Lethaby (Data Protection) and Ben Travers (Intellectual Property). 

We also worked closely with other advisers on the transaction, including Poppleston Allen, Grant Thornton, RSM and Squire Patton Boggs. 

A sharper focus for the future

The transaction culminated in Buzz Bingo completing the acquisition of the two clubs – welcoming the Cricklewood and Northampton sites into its portfolio, and enabling MERKUR to sharpen its focus on its slots and casino operations. 

Reflections from MERKUR:

MERKUR’s CFO Egemen Coskun said:

“Thank you Paul, James and the Knights team for supporting us so well on this important project for MERKUR. Your team has simply been first class.” 

Reflections from Knights:

Reflecting on the transaction, Corporate Partner Paul Batchelor shared:  

“It was a pleasure to work with the MERKUR team on this key strategic project for them. I was very proud of our full-service team for delivering a complex transaction – expertly led by Senior Associate James Sparks.” 

Key results, in review:

• Investment in profitable areas.  

• Streamlined business focus.