Over 140 jobs saved as bingo halls sold out of administration

Eight bingo clubs formerly owned by the stricken Lincolnshire operator Majestic Bingo have been sold out of administration in a deal which will make Real Fun Group one of the largest indie operators in the sector.

The acquisition brings the group’s portfolio to 10 bingo clubs throughout England and Wales whilst saving over 140 jobs

Majestic Bingo Limited entered administration on 7 July, overseen by Tim Bateson and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators.

Bateson said: “Having been appointed in July 2023 and traded the business for nearly six months, we are absolutely delighted to have achieved this going concern sale, which not only will see all eight venues continue to trade, but which also both safeguards the employment of 140 people and ensures continuity for the communities which these clubs serve.

We would like to extend our thanks to the many stakeholders who have provided support to the administration team since our appointment, including customers, suppliers and Majestic’s dedicated staff. Their support has enabled us to conclude this transaction which will enable the business to continue under new ownership.”

Kevin McGinnigle, CEO of Real Fun Group, added: “I’m incredibly excited by this opportunity. This was a well-run business that was hit with devastating luck over the last few years, and I can’t wait to work with the team. To sit here today, knowing we’re able to keep so many people in work is an unbelievable feeling.

“Undoubtedly there is a lot of work ahead of us and I’m confident we’ve got the right people within the business to make this a huge success for everyone concerned. Coming from a family of bingo players, I’m aware of the role that local bingo clubs play in their community and to get the opportunity to keep these historic clubs open for our customers is just fantastic.”

Following the deal, Real Fun Group now employs nearly 200 staff. The eight sites are:

Hippodrome, Bishop Auckland
Apollo, Caernarfon
Apollo, Camborne
Globe, Donnington
Apollo, Rhyl
Roman Bank, Skegness
Judges, Tonypandy
Majestic, Worcester

Shoosmiths’ Corporate Restructuring & Advisory team acted for Real Fun Group. Sarah Teal, partner, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have supported Real Fun Group with this acquisition, securing the future of these bingo clubs that are integral to the communities in which they operate and securing jobs in time for Christmas.”

Stuart Taylor, partner in the Restructuring & Insolvency team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys acting for the joint administrators, added: “It was great to work with the Joint Administrators on the sale of Majestic Bingo, a deal that safeguards a number of jobs and ensures continuity of local businesses.”