Visualize Acquires BMM Testlabs to Boost Global Gaming Compliance

The Visualize Group, a private investment firm focused on companies providing mission-critical services, has announced it will acquire BMM Testlabs, a key player in the global regulated gaming industry. BMM Testlabs, which specializes in testing, inspection, compliance, and certification (TICC) services, has been a longstanding provider to gaming product suppliers worldwide, ensuring that their offerings meet regulatory standards and deliver secure, fair, and reliable gaming experiences.

Growth strategy and employee ownership plan:

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, BMM Testlabs has built a solid reputation with a global footprint that spans six continents. The company’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence has allowed it to remain a trusted partner for gaming regulators, suppliers, and operators across the world. This acquisition is a strategic move by Visualize Group to expand its influence in the rapidly growing regulated gaming market.

As part of the agreement, BMM Testlabs’ President and CEO Martin Storm will retain a significant stake in the company, continuing to lead the business. Storm has been with the company for several years and will play a crucial role in driving its future growth alongside Visualize Group. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, but the deal remains subject to regulatory approvals.

One of the major initiatives that Visualize Group plans to implement following the acquisition is a broad-based employee ownership program. This program aims to involve BMM’s employees in the company’s value creation plan, allowing them to participate in the growth and success of the business. Visualize Group intends to focus on both organic and inorganic growth strategies to enhance BMM’s market presence and support its customer base as the global gaming industry continues to expand.

Industry leadership and future growth:

Martin Storm expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing that BMM’s journey of ensuring the safety, transparency, and compliance of regulated gaming will continue under Visualize Group’s leadership. “For 44 years, BMM has dedicated itself to becoming the premier service provider and partner to gaming regulators, suppliers, and operators,” Storm said in the company’s press release. “Partnering with Visualize marks an exciting new chapter, as together we will drive growth for BMM and seize the immense opportunities within the evolving gaming market.”

Visualize Group’s Managing Partner, C.C. Melvin Ike, noted the firm’s long-term investment strategy, focusing on businesses that offer essential services in growing markets. He remarked, “BMM exemplifies this. Our team has closely studied the rapid global expansion of regulated gaming markets, and we believe this trajectory will continue. With its global footprint, track record of technical leadership, and trusted reputation in the market, we believe BMM is the best-positioned regulatory technology platform to capitalize on the market opportunity.”

This acquisition marks a larger trend of private equity involvement in the gaming industry. Since early 2024, there has been a surge in private equity deals targeting gaming companies, from suppliers to operators, with notable acquisitions such as Apollo Global Management’s $6.3 billion purchase of IGT and Everi Holdings. These deals come amid depressed valuations in the gaming sector, which have created opportunities for private equity firms to acquire undervalued companies.

Visualize Group’s move into the gaming compliance sector reflects the ongoing interest from private equity firms in the industry’s growth potential. With a focus on regulated markets and an established leader like Martin Storm, Visualize Group is poised to enhance BMM Testlabs’ role as a global leader in gaming technology and regulatory compliance.

BMM Testlabs is well-positioned to expand its influence in the global gaming industry, especially as new jurisdictions continue to open around the world. The firm’s technological leadership and deep expertise in TICC services make it a key player in ensuring that gaming products remain compliant as the industry grows.

While the U.S. market has presented challenges due to the impact of tariffs on Chinese-made products, Visualize Group is optimistic about the future. As new markets open and the demand for safe and compliant gaming increases, BMM Testlabs is expected to play a central role in supporting the industry’s regulatory needs globally. The acquisition signals a new phase in BMM’s growth, with an emphasis on innovation, employee engagement, and market expansion.