Banijay Acquires Majority Stake in Tipico to Create “European Betting Champion”

Summary

French media group Banijay Group has bought a majority stake in sports betting operator Tipico and plans to merge it with its Betclic brand to form a consolidated European sports betting and online gaming business. The transaction is being funded in cash with a EUR 3 billion package and includes refinancing Tipico’s debt. Banijay will hold a controlling 65% stake at close, with the intention of increasing ownership to 72%.

The combined pro forma figures for 2024 are projected at EUR 6.4 billion revenue and EUR 1.4 billion adjusted EBITDA, effectively doubling the metrics for Banijay Gaming (comprising Betclic, Tipico and Admiral2). The group expects around EUR 100 million of annual synergies. The merged entity serves roughly 6.5 million players, operates 1,250 betting shops in Germany and Austria and employs about 5,300 staff. Completion is expected mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals and conditions.

Key Points

Banijay acquires a majority stake in Tipico and will merge it with Betclic to create a larger European betting business.
Deal funded with a EUR 3 billion package and includes refinancing of Tipico’s debt; Banijay to hold 65% initially, targeting 72% ownership.
Projected pro forma 2024 figures: EUR 6.4 billion revenue and EUR 1.4 billion adjusted EBITDA for the combined group.
Banijay Gaming — Betclic, Tipico and Admiral2 — currently serve ~6.5 million players, run 1,250 betting shops and employ ~5,300 people.
Estimated annual synergies of about EUR 100 million; Betclic and Tipico valued at EUR 4.8bn and EUR 4.6bn respectively for the transaction context.
Leadership changes: Nicolas Béraud to chair Banijay Gaming’s board; Julien Brun named Betclic CEO; Joachim Baca named vice chair; Axel Hefer remains Tipico CEO.
Founders of both brands will remain long-term shareholders and roll over stakes into the new structure; deal completion expected mid-2026.

Context and Relevance

This is a major consolidation move in the European iGaming and sports-betting sector. By combining Betclic’s digital capabilities with Tipico’s omnichannel presence (including extensive shop networks in German-speaking markets), Banijay aims to scale rapidly and compete more effectively with established pan‑European operators.

Key relevance points: the transaction signals continued M&A-driven consolidation in regulated European markets, creates scale that could lower marketing and product costs, and shifts competitive dynamics — especially in Germany and Austria. However, integration execution, regulatory approval processes and realising the forecasted EUR 100m in synergies are critical near-term risks to watch.

Why should I read this?

Because if you follow European iGaming or sports betting, this is the kind of deal that actually changes the map. Big cash, big ambitions, shops and apps all under one roof — that matters for market share, partnerships and regulation. Short version: big merger, big impact. Read on if you want the essentials without wading through the press release.