“The Gauselmann Group has gained major success in Great Britain, Spain, the Netherlands and South America”

-What are Merkur’s goals and expectations for 2015?

The main focus in the near future will relate to the thorough increase and optimization concerning the market cultivation in the international and regulated markets that we are already active in. The core markets are here Europe, Africa and South America, among others. The business activities of Merkur Gaming will be predominantly determined in the medium term by laying the foundations for establishing market entry in North America.

-How will this appointment impact employees?

We will learn from each other and form a strong and successful team which will offer the best products and outstanding service for our worldwide customers.

The Merkur Gaming team unites all the preconditions to further consolidate and expand the market position of the company on a global basis.

-In what way do you think you will leave a mark on the company? 

My 26 years of experience in this industry will help the company to develop the right product for each market and to increase worldwide market shares.

I have had the opportunity during this time to get to know the industry leaders of yesterday and today. A company has to unite creativity and innovative prowess alongside excellent market knowledge and industry know-how in order to be successful in the gaming industry.

-What are you going to do in order to help strengthen business activities in established markets? How about pushing into potential new markets?

We will listen to the needs of all our customers, act as a partner and offer the best products, including outstanding service. New markets will be carefully evaluated and analyzed by our whole team. We will be very selective since it is not our goal to conquer the whole world in a short period.

Experience has shown that in general, the differing markets are very strongly shaped by local preferences and specifics. Therefore, success depends upon offering a product that takes the corresponding player mentality into account. We ensure this among others with our extensive international games portfolio – where the games can be selected according to the corresponding market preferences.

-What are Merkur’s future plans and strategies to promote consolidation and expansion of games systems in global markets?

We have been able to implement important growth impulses through the consolidation and focus on international markets that we now will make use of. The Gauselmann Group has gained major success in particular in Great Britain, Spain, the Netherlands and South America. Thus, we wish to further build on these activities in our target markets, being strongly active here with our entire product portfolio.

Having the flair for the needs of our customers and so aligning these to the country-specific interests in the field of hardware and software is the focus of our strategy. Innovative games coupled with outstanding ‘made in Germany’ quality have always been at the heart of the Gauselmann Group portfolio and form an essential part of the company strategy.

-How do you see the gaming industry today? What changes would you implement to make this industry more efficient?

Several countries have already created corresponding legal frameworks for the gaming industry. However, such a regulation is still missing in many jurisdictions. It is vital that appropriate legislation is established for all forms of gaming, such as online gaming and sports betting.

All kinds of gaming must be controlled and illegal gaming must be stopped.

 -What is the key to business success?

In my opinion excellent products with outstanding service, great teamwork and the ability to understand the needs of customer are the basics for any successful business.