Paf Expands Its Ferry Gaming Operations with Bell Casino Acquisition
Paf Expands Its Ferry Gaming Operations with Bell Casino Acquisition
Paf, a leading Finnish gambling company, has successfully acquired Bell Casino, a Swedish operator with a presence on around 50 ships. This acquisition is a significant move that greatly enhances Paf’s footprint in the ferry gaming market across Europe.
Details of the Acquisition
The agreement aligns with Paf’s strategic goal to broaden its reach on ferry routes traversing Europe. Bell Casino currently operates onboard gambling services on about 50 vessels that travel routes connecting key countries including Sweden, Germany, Poland, the Baltic states, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Before the acquisition, Paf provided gaming aboard 26 ships primarily in the Baltic Sea and North Sea areas. With Bell Casino now under its umbrella, Paf’s combined operations will cover about 80 ships offering a total of 1,500 gaming machines and 450 arcade games.
The Bell Casino team remains intact, continuing under the Bell brand and its existing business model. The family-owned company employs 28 staff members, including founder Morgan Eliasson who will now act as a senior advisor, and his son Marcus Eliasson, who will remain as Bell Casino’s CEO.
Perspectives on the Acquisition
Christer Fahlstedt, Paf’s CEO, expressed satisfaction with the completion of the deal, highlighting its critical role for the future development of Paf’s Land & Ship operations. He emphasized that this acquisition sets the stage for long-term growth and operational development.
Lasse Danielsson, COO of Paf’s Land & Ship division, noted that the merger creates valuable opportunities and synergies. He believes this union provides a solid foundation for continued investment and expansion, both geographically and commercially.
Morgan Eliasson, Bell Casino’s founder, spoke about the emotional aspect of handing over his company but conveyed confidence that Bell is now part of a group with strong industry knowledge and long-term vision. He trusts that Paf is well-equipped to guide Bell Casino forward on a stable path.
Completion of the Deal
The acquisition officially concluded on June 1, marking a new chapter for Paf as it solidifies its position as a major player in onboard gambling across European ferry routes.
