Merkur Group has strengthened its land-based presence in Spain following the acquisition of 11 arcades previously operated by Basque-based company Operjoku S.L.U., alongside the takeover of gaming machine operations in 108 bars formerly serviced by Operkale S.L.U.
The move, carried out through Merkur Slots Spain in cooperation with distributor Merkur Dosniha, marks the group's first entry into Spain's hospitality installation segment.
According to the group, the acquisition reinforces its long-term commitment to Spain, where it already operates 28 arcades across regions including Navarre, Cantabria, Madrid and the Balearic Islands.
They noted that integrating both the arcades and the bar-based machine portfolio will allow the company to coordinate its operational divisions more efficiently.
The group also emphasised that entering the hospitality segment, traditionally competitive and dominated by regional operators, represents a structural expansion rather than a purely commercial one.
Meik Sellenriek, Management Board Member at Merkur Operations, said : "Spain is a market of great importance and long-term potential for the Merkur Group. This acquisition clearly underlines that.
"We are proud to welcome around 50 new employees to the company and look forward with confidence to strengthening our market position," stated Sellenriek.
Dominik Raasch, Management Board Member at Merkur Games, added that "there are strong synergies between the Merkur Group's business divisions.
"We are particularly pleased to now offer our innovative gaming machines and games in our own arcades and bars in the Basque Country - one of Spain's most economically powerful regions."
Market growth continues to be driven by regional licensing frameworks, consolidation among local operators and evolving consumer preferences in bars and arcades.
Merkur's expansion reflects this broader trend of established international groups increasing their exposure to regional markets with robust regulatory structures.
Merkur has recently expanded its long-standing collaboration with Spintec