Merkur has struck a deal with Fennica Gaming to develop a new gaming cabinet set to launch in the UK market next year.
Merkur stepped up its mission to create a “next-generation, state-of-the-art” cabinet for the UK market in 2023.
The move is part of a wider Merkur plan to update its cabinets in the UK, with Fennica – a subsidiary of Finland’s state-owned gambling company Veikkaus – sought for advice on the design.
“Given the extensive experience of the parent company Veikkaus in operating gaming arcades and points of sale, it was an easy decision to choose Fennica Gaming as our design partner, known for their professionalism and the whole Veikkaus Group’s player-focused approach,” said Kevin Schmidt, responsible for international products at Blueprint Operations, which operates Merkur’s cabinets in the UK.
“We are very happy with the outcome and modernisation of the cabinet. The production team can now very easily start to plan the production of the cabinet.”
Thousands of units of the new cabinet will be produced for British gaming arcades and points of sale, Merkur said.
“We have a very clear understanding on the specific features and needs for cabinets in different settings. We have been building our own cabinets since the day one from 1938 and therefore we have gained knowledge on the large scale,” said Timo Kiiskinen, the managing director of Fennica Gaming.
“We believed that we could really help optimise the cabinets for other markets and were happy to collaborate with such strong players as Merkur and Blueprint Operations.”
Elsewhere, the Merkur Group has formed a long-term strategic partnership with Spintec, a developer of electronic table games.
The collaboration is designed to tap into new gaming markets and enhance the presence of both brands, while also expanding reach and capabilities in existing key markets.
“By pooling our competencies, we will be able to further expand both companies' market presence and gain additional competitive advantages across the value chain," said Goran Miškulin, CEO of Spintec.
"We are excited about this significant step and are confident that the new partnership will drive further growth and enhance the value of both companies."
Dominik Raasch, CEO of adp Merkur, the responsible subsidiary of the Merkur Group, added: "I am certain that this alliance will unlock promising synergies and drive the sustainable growth of both companies.”
