A transformative union has been struck for Spanish gambling as Grupo Orenes and R. Franco have agreed to merge businesses.

The merger will establish Spain’s biggest gambling machines manufacturer and distributor of games for casinos, arcades and café premises operating across Spain’s 17 autonomous communities.

Dealmakers outlined that the merger was a necessary outcome for both heritage firms to overcome further changes to Spain’s gambling market as the government moves to enforce new federal laws on land-based gambling venues.

Founded in 1965 by brothers Joaquin and Jesus Franco Munoz –  R. Franco serves as Spain’s biggest manufacturer of ‘recreativos’ (fruit machines) for leisure enterprises.

“Both companies are united by very strong personal ties and a long history of success. This merger strengthens us in the face of the challenges we want to tackle and assures us of a promising future,” read a statement by Founder and President Jesus Franco Munoz

Franco’s competitor since 1968, Murcia-based Grupo Orenes is a full-catalogue manufacturer of all land-based gambling machine components and systems. Furthermore, Orenes operates a managed services division for gambling and entertainment venues.

Confirming their union, R. Franco and Orenes stated that they would relaunch a new ‘internationalisation strategy’ targeting fast-growth opportunities in LatAm jurisdictions – where Orenes operates casinos in the Mexican provinces of Chihuahua, Querétaro and Guanajuato. 

Further benefits will see both companies merge their online units to create a new digital offering for R. Franco Wanabet.es and Orenes VERSUS sportsbook brands.

“This union reinforces us and guarantees our future positioning as one of the main global operators in the sector,” remarked Eliseo Orenes, President of Grupo Orenes.

“We are going to continue working to improve our customers’ experiences and generate value for society as a whole.”