A filing from the Austrian Federal Competition Authority read: “The following merger was notified to the Federal Competition Authority on 03.07.2025: Avalon Buyer Limited (United Kingdom), which is indirectly controlled by funds or vehicles advised or managed by affiliates of CVC Capital Partners plc (Jersey), intends to acquire more than 50 per cent of the shares in and sole control over Gaming Laboratories International, LLC (USA); Worldwide Laboratories, LLC (USA); and Kobetron, LLC (USA). The concentration concerns testing, inspection and certification services for the gaming industry.”
A filing from the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority stated: “The Director General of the Office for Competition notifies for general information that a notification of a concentration between Avalon Buyer Limited (London, United Kingdom) and Gaming Laboratories International, LLC (Lakewood, United States) and Affiliates, was filed on Thursday, 3 July 2025."
“The nature of the concentration is the acquisition of sole control of Gaming Laboratories International, LLC and its affiliates Worldwide Laboratories, LLC and Kobetron, LLC by Avalon Buyer Limited.”
“The Director General of the Office for Competition invites interested third parties to submit their written objections on this notified concentration within seven days following publication of this notice.”
No financial terms are disclosed in either filing, which say only that Avalon intends to acquire sole control of GLI as well as affiliates Worldwide Laboratories LLC and Kobetron LLC. The acquisition “concerns testing, inspection and certification services for the gaming industry,” per the Austrian filing.
GLI’s legacy and industry influence
Founded in 1989 in New Jersey by James Maida and Paul Magno, GLI has become a pivotal entity in gaming regulation over the past 35 years. The firm’s expertise spans far beyond traditional casino games, extending across 35 global jurisdictions and employing around 1,800 people.
Regulatory bodies worldwide depend on GLI’s esteemed certification to verify that gaming products meet the industry’s highest technical and security benchmarks.
Future outlook and industry trends
Speculation about GLI’s future has grown as the company evolves. Last year, founder James Maida expressed openness to new ownership possibilities while emphasizing a vision for GLI’s next 35 years.
For CVC, acquiring GLI represents a return to the gaming market, after previously holding investments in companies such as William Hill, Sky Bet, and Sisal, before divesting several assets in recent years.
Notably, private equity firms are increasingly interested in gaming compliance as regulatory scrutiny intensifies and more regions legalize gaming.
Industry experts highlight a growing demand for secure and compliant gaming environments, underscoring the strategic value of GLI’s services.
Source: GMB / iGB
