Merkur founder Paul Gauselmann dies at 91

Paul Gauselmann, the visionary founder of the Merkur Group, Germany's largest gambling conglomerate, passed away on Friday at the age of 91. The company, headquartered in Espelkamp, announced his death, marking the end of an era for the influential business magnate.

Starting from humble beginnings as a one-man operation in the post-World War II era, Gauselmann transformed his venture into a global enterprise. Today, the Merkur Group employs approximately 15,000 people and boasts a total revenue of around 2.1 billion euros. Gauselmann's legacy includes not only his business acumen but also his significant contributions to the industry and his community.

His dedication and achievements were widely recognized throughout his career. In 2003, he received the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, and in 2004, he was granted honorary citizenship by the cities of Espelkamp and Lübbecke. For 28 years, Gauselmann also served as the chairman of the Verband der Deutschen Automatenindustrie (German Amusement Industry Association).

To ensure the company's long-term stability, Gauselmann and his family transferred their shares to the Gauselmann Family Foundation in 2016, making it the sole owner of the Merkur Group. Although he retired from the company's top management in 2024, he reportedly continued to visit the office twice a week to oversee daily operations. Gauselmann is survived by his wife, four sons, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.