MERKUR GAMING The interview: Charles Hiten
Ricki Chavez-Munoz speaks to Merkur Gaming’s Charles Hiten about expansion and the new dynamics of the company
R
ecent news coming from Merkur Gaming has centred on the Gauselmann Group’s intention to expand into new markets in the near future. Our International
editor, Ricki Chavez-Munoz met with Charles Hiten, Chief Executive of Merkur Gaming Americas, during ICE Totally Gaming 2016, in London, and asked him to expand on what, and where, those future expansions would be for this gaming industry leading manufacturer of ‘made in Germany’ products.
CI: Before we go on to the topic of Merkur Gaming’s expansion plans, can we first ask you for your reaction to ICE 2016? CHARLES HITEN: “I am sure that our reaction
would be similar to that of all the other Tier One companies: namely that ICE this year was the best edition of the event for a good many years. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this was quite probably the best London show since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008. The show broke records on every level. The most exhibitors, the highest ever number of visitors, the geographical spread of both of those categories, the list goes on. Most significantly was that intangible ‘show feel’, that came over very strongly across all three show days and was reflected in an overall climate of positivity and a readiness to do, or prepare to do, real business. We saw that very clearly in the reaction of visitors to the global launch of our new merkurstar™ upright cabinet and the suite of high attraction new games that were presented with it. Merkur Gaming made a positive statement of its own, by taking more floorspace than ever before and by bringing a large staff contingent, from the many companies that make up the Gauselmann Group, to man the booth. Our ICE experience showed us that the investments, in both space and staffing, were correct, as our booth was packed and our staff kept extremely busy for all three days of the
42 APRIL 2016
show. So my reaction to ICE was wholly positive and, like the show organisers themselves, we are already thinking about next year’s event and how we can do even better.”
CI: As Chief Executive for Merkur Gaming Americas, can you say if we will see forthcoming expansion in the Central and Latin American markets? CHARLES HITEN: “Merkur Gaming’s success,
particularly in Latin American markets such as Peru, Colombia and Mexico, is already a matter of record but there are many new opportunities, for example with the new situation in Argentina, that we are moving to take advantage of. Merkur Gaming as a top level, a Tier One, supplier has plans to build and increase that success throughout the Americas.”
CI: Regarding those future expansion plans, will Merkur Gaming expand on its Latin American infrastructure and perhaps the Caribbean also, especially with regards to installations and sales on cruise ships? CHARLES HITEN: “Merkur Gaming already
has a dedicated sales and service facility for the Caribbean and Cruise Ship markets, based out of our offices in Florida. Given the recent upswing of legislative activity in the Caribbean we are closely monitoring new opportunities in that region. The Cruise Ship market is primarily based in Florida also and we are ideally placed to expand our existing business in that sector.”
CI: One imagines that cruise operators will be first on board attending Juegos
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