Acquisition brings together unrivaled playing card expertise and brands to provide a broader range of products to the growing global playing card community.

The Belgian privately owned group Cartamundi has announced the completion of the acquisition of The United States Playing Card Company (USPC).

This acquisition marks the addition of the iconic Bicycle, Bee, Hoyle and Fournier brands to the Cartamundi brands portfolio and is in line with Cartamundi’s strategy to strengthen its role as a key player in the global entertainment industry.

“This is an exciting time for Cartamundi,” said Stefaan Merckx, CEO of Cartamundi. “The addition of USPC immediately allows us to take advantage of growing playing card sales in the U.S. USPC’s leading position in Spain is highly complementary with Cartamundi’s European footprint and fits perfectly in our plans for strategic growth.”

The United States Playing Card Company employs over 350 people and has manufacturing facilities in the US city of Erlanger (Kentucky) and the Spanish city of Vitoria (Àlava). In 2018 USPC realised net sales of approximately 112m US dollars.

USPC CEO Michael Slaughter will assume membership on the Cartamundi Executive Committee.

Michael Slaughter, CEO of USPC, added: “Our commitment to delighting consumers, cardists, magicians and casino players with world-class quality remains our mission.”