Betclic and Tipico merger expected by mid-2026

Banijay Group has just completed its biggest deal to date and signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Tipico Group from CVC Capital Partners, paving the way for a merger between Malta-based Tipico and Malta-licenced Betclic under a newly formed Banijay Gaming division.

Banijay Group is a leading multinational entertainment company best known for producing hit television shows such as Bear Grylls’ Survival of the Fittest, Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror.

Tipico, based in Malta, is an international provider of sports betting and online casino products, while Betclic, also licensed in Malta, operates as a prominent online sports betting and gaming brand with a strong local presence.

CVC Capital Partners is one of the world’s largest private equity firms and a longstanding investor in the gaming sector.

Under the agreement, Banijay will acquire around 65 per cent of Tipico, with the option to increase its ownership to a minimum of 72 per cent. The deal values Tipico at €4.6 billion and Betclic at €4.8 billion. It will be financed through a €3 billion funding package, including the refinancing of Tipico’s existing debt.

The merger will bring a combined group operating under the Banijay Gaming umbrella, involving Betclic, Tipico and Admiral Austria, acquired just last month.

The deal marks a major step in Banijay’s expansion into the regulated online gaming and sports betting sector, positioning the combined group as a European leader in the industry. On a pro forma basis, the new entity is expected to generate €6.4 billion in revenue and €1.4 billion in adjusted EBITDA.

The merger will unite two established operators where they will operate across six fully regulated markets, serve around 6.5 million active players annually, and manage over 1,250 retail betting shops.

Leadership changes will follow the completion of the deal. As of 1st January 2026, Betclic founder Nicolas Béraud will become Chairman of Banijay Gaming, while Julien Brun will succeed him as Betclic CEO. Tipico’s former CEO Joachim Baca will join as Vice-Chairman, and Axel Hefer will remain in his current role as Tipico’s CEO.

CVC will retain a minority stake in the combined group, alongside Tipico’s and Betclic’s founders, maintaining long-term alignment on future growth.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory and merger control approvals and is expected to close by mid-2026.

Featured Images: Betclic / Tipico