Novomatic has once again pushed back the deadline for its attempted acquisition of Ainsworth Game Technology, highlighting the ongoing difficulties in finalizing the deal.
In a regulatory notice issued on January 30, the company announced that its off-market takeover offer will now close at 7:00 pm Sydney time on February 6, 2026. This extension replaces the previous deadline of January 30 and is noted as the final extension permissible under the terms of the offer.
The proposed takeover continues to face resistance from certain shareholders, notably members of the Ainsworth family, who remain opposed to Novomatic’s efforts to acquire the remaining shares. Despite the opposition, Novomatic, led by founder Johann Graf, currently holds a 66.59% stake in Ainsworth, according to recent disclosures to the ASX.
The deal nearly unraveled in mid-2025 when several prominent investors voiced their objections, casting doubt on whether the acquisition would reach completion. Novomatic first gained a controlling interest in Ainsworth nearly ten years ago, following the sale of the company’s founder, Len Ainsworth, who divested his majority holdings for approximately AUD 473 million (€277.6 million).
The lengthy acquisition process has coincided with tough trading conditions for Ainsworth. In December, the company issued a warning that its pre-tax profit and revenue were likely to drop sharply in the second half of its financial year, with profits expected to decline over 45% compared to the first half
Adding to the uncertainty was the resignation of CEO Harold Neumann in late 2025 after Nevada regulators declined to renew his gaming license. This leadership shake-up further complicated the final stages of the takeover process.
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With the new deadline now in place, market observers are closely watching whether Novomatic can garner enough shareholder backing to push the deal through. If the bid falls short, both companies may need to explore alternative strategic options amid ongoing regulatory, operational, and market headwinds.
The upcoming days are likely to be pivotal in determining the future ownership structure of Ainsworth Game Technology. Novomatic Ainsworth Acquisition
