New York-listed Scientific Games has acquired the machine gaming content supplier Barcrest Group from IGT. Barcrest will be integrated into Scientific's Diversified Gaming Group, that includes its server-based gaming businesses, Global Draw and Games Media.

The deal sees Scientific extend its presence into new UK. Barcrest supplies machines to pub, bingo halls, betting shops, arcades and private members' clubs and provides content for games on mobile phones, the internet and interactive digital TV. It will also provide access to new video lottery customers in Italy and Czech Republic.

Chief executive of The Global Draw and Games Media, Ian Timmis, commented: “Over the last 40 years, Barcrest has created an expansive library of game content for the leisure industry and we're delighted that this acquisition will enhance the Scientific Games gaming group portfolio.

“By combining our content with Barcrest's, delivering it through state-of-the-art networks and offering exceptional operational and service support, we expect to offer our customers significantly enhanced products and services.”

The brewing and leisure group Bass sold Barcrest to International Game Technology (based in Nevada) in 1998 for £42 million. The current deal is thought to be worth as much as £35 million.

About Barcrest

Barcrest employs around 300 people. Its sales for the year to June were £41.9m which included £23.2m of product sales and £18.7m of recurring revenues.

Barcrest Group is a leading force in the European amusement industry with a reputation for outstanding creativity and innovation. For over 40 years the Group has used its skills and expertise to provide customers with exceptional gaming products, all developed and tested to the very highest standards and supported by an unswerving commitment to service.