Landmark deal will see the Betclic and Tipico owner enter the French land-based casino market as part of its long-term growth strategy
Banijay Gaming has entered into an agreement to acquire French casino operator JOA for an undisclosed amount.
The company will acquire the business from funds managed by Blackstone and Kings Park Capital, with the acquisition financed through a mix of equity and debt.
JOA is the second-largest casino operator in France with a network of 33 land-based casinos, generating €430 million in gross revenue in 2025 and attracting over 4.6 million customers annually.
Following the recent acquisition of Tipico Group, Banijay said that the transaction further expands its omnichannel capabilities by adding its digital expertise to JOA’s wide network of land-based entertainment destinations.
“Customers increasingly expect seamless experiences across digital and physical environments, and this transaction positions us perfectly to respond to that evolution,” said Banijay Gaming chairman Nicolas Béraud. “We look forward to supporting JOA’s next phase of development by bringing our expertise in technology, artificial intelligence and data, while preserving the entrepreneurial culture and operational excellence that have made the company successful.”
Completion of the transaction is expected during the second half of 2026, subject to JOA’s employee representatives’ consultation and customary regulatory approvals, including merger control and casino gaming regulatory approvals.
Following completion, JOA chairman Laurent Lassiaz will continue to lead the business alongside the existing management team.
“Joining Banijay Gaming marks an exciting new chapter for JOA,” said Lassiaz. “After a successful period with Blackstone and Kings Park Capital, which laid the foundations for our growth, we have found another long-term partner with whom we share a common vision for the future.
“Their expertise in technology and digital innovation will help us accelerate our omnichannel development, while allowing us to preserve the entrepreneurial spirit and local roots that have always been our strength. Together, we will be ideally positioned to pursue our ambitions in France and internationally.”
Banijay Group CEO François Riahi added: “The acquisition of Tipico has transformed us into a diversified omnichannel European leader in gaming, and the acquisition of JOA is fully relevant with this evolution. As in Germany and Austria, we will become a leader in land-based gaming in another of our core countries: France.
“We welcome happily the JOA teams in Banijay Group, where they will find a positive entrepreneurial environment to continue their growth and create value. Very happy also to enlarge our set up in France, with assets and people all over the country.”
Shares in Banijay Group NV (AMS:BNJ) were trading 1.18 per cent higher at €8.58 per share in Amsterdam Tuesday morning.