Amusement giant hopes for fruitful future under 
new owner

Astra Games, a UK subsidiary of Austrian Gaming Industries and part of the Novomatic Group, has confirmed that, following clearance from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) it has completed the purchase of trade and assets of the Danoptra Group, which includes Yorkshire-based Gamestec Leisure. The financial details have not been disclosed.

Gamestec, which has its head office in Leeds, provides services for more than 35,000 amusement machines in the UK. It employs 700 staff, including around 90 in Leeds. Gamestec operates machines for customers in a range of markets, including pubs, bars, leisure venues, licensed betting offices, clubs, bingo halls, casinos and adult gaming centres.

The conclusion of the deal, which began with initial discussions in 2009, creates an Astra UK Gaming Group which, based on 2011 figures, has a total turnover of £79.68m and employs 1,042 people.

Each of the acquired companies will maintain their individual identities and continue to trade as normal.

The Astra UK Gaming Group will be managed by a five man board of directors, which will include Chris Butler, the managing director of Gamestec.

Mr Butler said: “Gamestec has had the benefit of a close working relationship with Astra and the Novomatic group of companies for nearly two years now.

“This is only the start. With our new situation and with the benefit of sustained investment, we have only scratched the surface of our future potential.

“Innovation has never been more important as we seek to compete within the various gaming opportunities that are now open to customers: both in and out of venue.

“The completion of the Astra deal is fantastic news for all the people at Gamestec.

“The massive improvements that we have been making can now progress at full speed and we can look forward to delivering the services that the UK industry really needs.”

Gamestec Leisure recently moved into 14,173 sq ft of space at the WIRA Business Park in Leeds

It recently put its previous home, Horsforth Mills in Horsforth, Leeds, up for sale.

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