CVC Capital Partners to acquire Gaming Labs International: report
CVC Capital Partners, a Jersey-based private equity firm with a portfolio spanning global sports and entertainment, is set to acquire a 100 percent stake in Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a global provider of gaming testing and certification services. No financial terms have been disclosed in the filings.
Acquisition via UK-based affiliate Avalon Buyer
SiGMA News has reached out to GLI for comment on the reported acquisition. However, no response was received till the time of publishing.
The acquisition was first reported by iGaming Business. The deal, which neither party has officially confirmed, was disclosed through antitrust filings submitted earlier this month in and . According to the filings, the transaction will be executed via . The Austrian filing, dated 3 July, states that Avalon Buyer Limited “intends to acquire more than 50 percent of the shares in and sole control over” GLI, as well as its affiliates Worldwide Laboratories LLC and Kobetron LLC. The filing adds that any parties with legal or economic interest in the merger have until 31 July to submit written feedback.
Meanwhile, the Malta filing, dated 11 July, confirms the “acquisition of sole control” of GLI entities, outlining their activities as providers of testing, inspection, and certification services to the global regulated gaming industry. It further lists the wide range of services offered by GLI, including gaming testing, pre-certification quality assurance, test automation, and more.
Avalon Buyer Limited is described as a newly incorporated investment vehicle that is indirectly owned and financed by CVC Funds. Founded in 1989 by James Maida and Paul Magno in New Jersey, GLI has grown into a globally recognised name in gaming compliance and testing. GLI employs approximately 1,800 people across 35 jurisdictions, offering critical services that support compliance, security, and integrity within the global gambling ecosystem.
CVC prepares to refinance over £9 billion worth of investments
In a separate development, CVC Capital Partners is preparing to refinance over £9 billion worth of investments in its global sports portfolio through a newly established holding company called SportsCo, according to reports by Sky News and the Financial Times.
The refinancing plan comes as part of a broader financial strategy initiated by CVC in June 2025. The SportsCo vehicle, which has been set up to consolidate the firm’s sports-related holdings, is expected to issue new debt against these assets to optimise capital structure and potentially pave the way for fresh investment. Marc Allera, the former CEO of London-listed BT Group, is reportedly involved in the project. It was also reported that CVC has appointed Goldman Sachs, PJT Partners, and Raine Group as financial advisors to manage the complex refinancing transaction.
SportsCo’s portfolio comprises high-profile names in international sport, including LaLiga (Spain’s football), Ligue 1 (France), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Premiership Rugby, International Volleyball Federation, and a minority of Rugby’s Six Nations. By issuing new debt against these assets, CVC aims to unlock additional capital, potentially boosting future growth and facilitating further strategic acquisitions. According to The Telegraph, a minority stake in SportsCo could attract strong interest from Gulf-based sovereign wealth funds or global buyout firms. These investors may inject capital into the vehicle before the end of 2025, fuelling speculation about an eventual partial exit or further diversification by CVC.
