bwin, the leading provider of online gaming entertainment, has acquired a majority shareholding in UnitedGames, the leading European massive multiplayer online game publisher and developer.

The acquisition allows bwin to open new lines of business and strengthens the leadership of UnitedGames in online game publishing and development. This unique partnership enables bwin and UnitedGames to deliver the next level of online entertainment in the world.

“UnitedGames brings a lot of interesting technology and know-how to the relationship and we look forward to taking online gaming to the next stage of evolution” says Manfred Bodner, Co-CEO of bwin.

Founded in 2007, UnitedGames publishes high quality massive multiplayer online games (MMO Games). UnitedGames develops online games for a wide range of players and provides full localisation, including marketing, translations and community support. One of the fastest-growing online gaming companies on the Internet, UnitedGames has 17 million players in over 178 countries and has published over 20 MMOG titles.

Marijn Harinck, CEO of UnitedGames:  “bwin and UnitedGames are extraordinary partners and this combination will have a huge impact on the online gaming market. We are excited about bwin expanding into the MMO Games market, together we feel we can really take the online game experience to the next level”

The acquisition opens up opportunities for bwin to expand its audience to a wider public. In addition, UnitedGames expands the market opportunities for bwin in several countries. The acquisition provides synergy on infrastructure, payment systems, internet communications and portal management. Paul de Groot, co-founder of UnitedGames will leave the company. Camiel Kraan will enter the board of directors and will focus on UnitedGames’ commercial strategy.

About UnitedGames

UnitedGames was founded in 2007 and is a leading European publisher of massive multiplayer online games (MMO Games). The company is based in the Amsterdam area in the Netherlands. UnitedGames consists of a team of people with a passion for gaming and creating superb online entertainment. The company brings the online gaming experience to a new level for both developer and gamer, with full marketing, localisation and support across Europe. In addition, UnitedGames develops and publishes its own online games for a wide online audience. The company’s portfolio currently holds over 20 MMO  Games. These games are played by 17 million players from 178 different countries.
Further information about the company can be found on www.unitedgames.com.
About bwin

The bwin Group has over 20 million registered customers in more than 25 core markets. Under various licenses (e.g. in Germany, Italy and Gibraltar), it operates platforms for sports betting, poker, casino games and games through subsidiaries and associated companies. With the world’s widest selection of online sports betting supplemented by audio and video streaming of major sporting events such as matches of the German Soccer League, as well as one of Europe’s largest poker networks, bwin offers incomparable online gaming entertainment. The parent company bwin Interactive Entertainment AG has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since March 2000 (ID code BWIN, Reuters ID code BWIN.VI). Further information about the Company can be found on its investor relations website at www.bwin.org.