Cirsa Group, a multinational company in the gaming and leisure sector based in Spain and owned by Blackstone, announced the acquisition of a stake in Apuesta Total, a Peruvian operator with more than 500 gambling establishments in that country.
As confirmed by the firm to Yogonet, Cirsa bought 70% of this company. However, the price of the operation is unknown, reported Spanish media Cinco Días. The agreement signed includes a commitment to purchase the remaining 30% of the shares of Apuesta Total, which will be executed over the next few years.
With this transaction, the Spanish group acquired the main sports betting and online gaming operator in Peru, whose turnover exceeded EUR 100 million at the end of 2023 and has more than 500 betting shops in Peru.
“The transaction is consistent with our acquisition strategy, focused on the online arena, and positions Cirsa as a key player in the emerging Peruvian online gaming and betting market, regulated since March 2024, strengthening our omnichannel strategy in Latin America,” Cirsa explained in a statement sent to investors.
The acquisition of Apuesta Total is paid in cash, “and the impact on the group’s leverage is not significant”, the company informed. The firm also explained that the multiple payments align “with previous transactions carried out with online operators.”
Cirsa already had a presence in Peru, where it operates 19 casinos, 74 gambling premises almost 3,200 gaming machines installed, and a workforce of 877 employees at the end of 2023.
It should be added that the Spanish company, which Blackstone plans to list on the stock exchange, has been developing an active acquisition strategy. Previously, it had completed the purchase of Modena Giochi, an Italian gaming machine company, and in 2022, 60% of ePlay24, an Italian online gaming operator, and of the Mexican brand Ganabet.
