The BBH group successfully represented Lower Saxony’s Ministry of Finance. The formerly state-owned SNG had operated all ten casinos in Lower Saxony since 1995. Following a new tendering procedure in November 2023, SNG, which has been part of Casinos Austria International since 2005, was outdone by its competitor, the Merkur group.
The licence was to be transferred to Merkur Spielbanken Niedersachsen GmbH & Co. KG in September 2024. In order to ensure uninterrupted operation of the casinos, Lower Saxony’s Ministry of Finance granted SNG a temporary licence limited to one year.
The decision of the Administrative Court of Hanover dated 06/02/2025 has now confirmed that the EU-wide tendering procedure was conducted in a transparent and lawful manner.
BBH partner, lawyer and specialist lawyer for procurement law Malte Müller-Wrede emphasises: “The decision of the Administrative Court of Hanover is a clear signal for legal certainty and transparency. It confirms that the procedure was fair and properly conducted and that the licence was awarded to the best candidate”.
Dr. Melanie Plauth, lawyer and partner counsel at the BBH group adds: “We are delighted to have helped Lower Saxony’s Ministry of Finance in this complex and economically significant case. The court’s decision emphasises that the ministry conducted the tendering procedure with great care and in full compliance with the provisions of Lower Saxony’s Casino Act (Niedersächsisches Spielbankengesetz – NSpielbG).
With more than 700 employees, 7,000 clients and 7 offices, the BBH group is a leading provider of advisory services to energy and infrastructure companies. Energy and supply companies (particularly public utilities, municipalities and local authorities), industrial companies and international groups are among its core clients. The BBH group assists these and many other companies and organisations from all business sectors with legal, business and strategic advice.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Ines Zenke
Rechtsanwältin/Lawyer, Partner
Phone +49 (0)30 611 28 40-179
ines.zenke@bbh-online.de
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