BMM Testlabs Acquired by The Visualize Group
The Visualize Group, a private investment firm, announced its agreement to acquire BMM Testlabs, a global leader in testing, inspection, compliance, and certification (TICC) for regulated gaming.
A New Chapter for Gaming Compliance
Based in Las Vegas, BMM’s 44-year legacy spans six continents, ensuring games meet strict safety and fairness standards. “Partnering with Visualize marks an exciting new chapter,” said BMM’s President and CEO Martin Storm, who retains a hefty stake and stays at the helm. The deal’s financial terms remain under wraps, pending regulatory nods.
Visualize aims to fuel BMM’s growth, tapping the $120 billion global gaming market’s expansion, up 10% from 2024. Storm’s team, with 700+ licenses and 16 offices worldwide, will gain from Visualize’s plan to share profits widely among workers, tying them to organic and acquisition-driven goals.
The deal skips BMM’s RG24seven Virtual Training unit but includes its core testing and cybersecurity arms, cementing its role as a rival to Gaming Laboratories International.
Why It’s a Big Deal
BMM’s reach is massive, certifying slots in Macau, sportsbooks in Ontario, and iGaming in Europe. “BMM exemplifies mission-critical services,” said C.C. Melvin Ike, Visualize’s Managing Partner.
Visualize sees gaming’s spread as a goldmine. BMM’s tech, handling 1,000+ annual certifications, ensures compliance.
The acquisition’s timing is sharp. Regulated gaming’s growth, with Canada’s $1.4 million bettors and South Africa’s $200 million market, demands tight oversight.
BMM’s cybersecurity wing, untouched by the deal’s carve-out, shields against hacks that hit 5% of operators in 2024. “We believe BMM is the best-positioned platform,” Ike said.
What’s Driving the Move
Visualize’s banking on BMM’s rep. Founded in 1981, BMM tested everything from Vegas slots to Brazil’s new iGaming apps, holding 70% of North America’s compliance market share alongside competitors.
“We’ve dedicated ourselves to regulators and operators,” Storm said, noting their work keeps games fair. Visualize’s cash will chase deals, like BMM’s 2023 Europe lab expansion, to grab more of the $5 billion TICC sector.
Storm stays on to steer, a nod to his 20-year run navigating BMM through gaming’s ups and downs. Visualize’s profit-sharing could keep BMM’s 500+ staff locked in, unlike Kansas’ betting wobbles, where regulation lags. The deal’s nod to “inorganic growth” hints at more buyouts.
The deal awaits regulatory clearance, likely by Q3.
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