Gauselmann Group shows interest in acquiring the 4 German casinos that the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is going to privatize
While the Gauselmann casinos reopen in most of central Europe, rumors suggest that the Group founded in 1957 by Paul Gauselmann, would be the favorite to get the 4 licenses that the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia is going to sell. 4 land based casinos which until now were public and and that they have decided to privatize.
With the decision of the state parliament of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to privatize its four casinos, which until now were managed by the Administration itself, offers for these establishments have begun to arrive. Even without official data, it seems that Gauselmann has "interest" in taking over these casinos, so they will surely be in conflict with other private operators.
This Länder's Parliament passed the new casino law last Thursday with votes from the CDU and FDP government factions, agreeing that the four state casinos become privately owned and can even be sold as a package, with the option to that the new owner -also- open two more locations. In any case, only one license will be granted, which includes permission to operate up to six casinos. A call for tender is foreseen throughout Europe for the award of the license, presumably for 15 years. The tender process is expected to start in the summer.
Gauselmann spokesman Mario Hoffmeister said the Group will bid for these casinos if the conditions are right.
The Westspiel public group employs around 1,000 workers at the four casinos in Bad Oeynhausen, Dortmund, Duisburg and Aachen.
Source: Westfalen-blatt.de
