In a merger which in gaming terms echo’s the scale of Time Warner and Comcast, Interactive gaming software and services provider GTECH it is to re-brand as International Game Technology (IGT) upon the completion of its acquisition of the gaming products designer and manufacturer. IGT is synonymous with some of the most popular casino games in the world, including Wheel of Fortune and is responsible for video lotteries in various US states. In the deal first revealed in July of 2014, the global rebranding will involve a fusion of the GTECH globe logo with the letters IGT in corporate publicity.
During the intervening period, the new company has sought and received requisite approval from governing bodies culminating in that of the Nevada Gaming Board in late February. As part of this major acquisition the company also announced that Georgia Worldwide PLC., GTECH’s holding company, will change its name to International Game Technology PLC.
Speaking recently of the merger Marco Sala, chief executive officer at GTECH, said: “The combination of GTECH and IGT brings together two highly complementary legacy businesses to form the true blue chip company in global gaming.
“The new name and branding reflect this positioning. In addition, our two companies have similar core values; in fact, our respective names are derived from the same origin.
“Our new logo, marrying the IGT name and the iconic GTECH globe, draws upon the substantial brand equity of our two companies.”
The operations of the new international gaming powerhouse have now been refined and spread across two continents. Corporate Headquarters will be established in the UK with operating headquarters in Rome, Italy, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Rhode Island. Business operations will be split across four individual operations, North America (separated into two units, Lottery and Gaming), International and Italy. The Italian arm will be left to unchanged concentrate on its own market. The international arm will focus on all operations outside of North America and Italy, where an executive team will be established to oversea development and management of the company’s entire product portfolio.
The new company will be traded on the NY stock exchange under IGT.
