Novomatic Extends Ainsworth Acquisition One Last Time

Ainsworth Game Technology Limited, an Australia-based gaming provider, announced that its planned acquisition by NOVOMATIC has been postponed once again. The M&A arrangement between the two companies has so far been bumpy, reflecting significant disagreements between representatives of the two parties.

The Deal’s Deadline Has Been Extended Once Again

In a filing submitted on the day of the original acquisition deadline, January 30, Ainsworth announced that the deal’s final date for completing the off-market takeover has been extended once again.

According to the announcement, the deal’s new deadline is 7 pm Sydney time on February 6, 2026.

On behalf of Novomatic, we enclose a copy of the formal notice of variation stating that Novomatic has today varied the Offer by extending the Offer Period contained in section 13.3 of the Bidder’s Statement, such that the Offer will now remain open for acceptance until 7:00pm (Sydney time) on 6 February 2026 (unless withdrawn).

Ainsworth filing excerpt

The filing implies that this will be the final extension related to this arrangement.

NOVOMATIC’s Acquisition Has Caused a Divide Among Ainsworth Investors

NOVOMATIC has been an Ainsworth majority stakeholder for a while, currently owning 66.59% of the latter company. In 2025, the former business set out to acquire the remainder of its Australian peer in a deal that came to be marred by difficulties and an internal rift among Ainsworth investors.

Some members of the Ainsworth family, as well as other company shareholders, previously claimed that the current arrangement undervalues the company, despite the management’s insistence on the contrary. Because of that, they have staunchly opposed it, leading to a whole other set of difficulties.

The delayed agreement has taken a toll on Ainsworth’s share price, resulting in a somewhat turbulent period for the Australian business.