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Novomatic secures 66.84% stake in Ainsworth, despite failed takeover

Novomatic now holds 66.84% of Ainsworth Game Technology following the closure of its off-market takeover offer on 6 February 2026.

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Key Points
Novomatic now holds 66.84% of Ainsworth following the takeover offer
KDHA increased its stake to 7.46% via a proportional offer
The top 20 shareholders control over 96% of issued shares

Ainsworth Game Technology has released an updated shareholding distribution following the closure of takeover offers by Novomatic AG and Kjerulf David Hastings Ainsworth (KDHA).

Novomatic’s unconditional off-market takeover bid for all shares it did not already own closed on 6 February 2026. At the close of the offer period, Novomatic held 226,956,190 shares, representing 66.84% of Ainsworth’s issued capital. 

While this consolidates its position as majority shareholder, the Austrian gaming group fell short of the 75% threshold required to proceed to compulsory acquisition and full privatisation.

Separately, KDHA’s unsolicited proportional off-market takeover offer for 2.9% of each shareholder’s holding closed on 30 January 2026. Following completion of that offer, KDHA’s voting power increased to 7.46%.

Ainsworth confirmed that, as of 11 February 2026, the company had 336,793,929 fully paid ordinary shares on issue, held by 2,137 shareholders. The top 20 shareholders collectively control 96.24% of the company’s shares, with the remaining 3.76% spread across other investors. 

Shareholders holding more than 100,000 shares account for 96.56% of total issued capital, highlighting a concentrated ownership structure.

The announcement was made in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.4.2 and authorised by the Ainsworth Independent Board Committee.

The update follows the recent termination of the Transaction Implementation Deed between Ainsworth and Novomatic after the takeover bid lapsed. Under Australian takeover rules, Novomatic is restricted from launching a further bid for at least four months.

Good to know

Novomatic has been Ainsworth’s majority shareholder since 2016 and remains the company’s largest investor despite the unsuccessful privatisation attempt

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