Paul Gauselmann, Chairman of Merkur, Celebrates 90th Birthday

Paul Gauselmann, chairman at Merkur, celebrates turning 90 and looks back in reflection of his 67 years involved with the gaming business.

As a founder, vending machine magnate, corporate leader, benefactor and family man, there’s no ambition Paul Gauselmann has not accomplished in his lifetime. On 26 August, the stalwart entrepreneur of the post-war era will celebrate his 90th birthday as he continues to guide the way for Merkur Group along with his management team.

His focus remains on the company’s future and the welfare of its 15,000 employees: “For 67 years, I have lived with the constant hopes and fears for the success of our corporate group,” stated Gauselmann.

Reflecting on his journey from launching a business in 1957 without any capital to overseeing an internationally acclaimed group of companies with sales revenues of approximately four billion euros, Paul Gauselmann said, “Sometimes I have to pinch myself… of course, like anyone, I’ve made mistakes. However, the major business decisions have, by and large, turned out well for me.” Credit for this is also due to his wife Karin, his companion through 58 years of shared trials and triumphs. “She’s a formidable character; I couldn’t have come this far without her.”

Paul Gauselmann’s early career started out in the debris of bombed-out post-war Germany, where he played as a child born in Münster in 1934 and laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial acumen. By the age of ten, he was already contributing to the family income by collecting and selling scrap metal, copper and tin from the rubble. The war also taught him something else: the importance of play. In the hours spent in air raid shelters, he would play games like skat, doppelkopf, halma, chess and nine men’s morris with his brothers Willi and Eugen.

Paul Gauselmann understood first-hand the fascination and positive impact of gaming. It provided the boys with a chance to escape the harrowing reality around them and immerse themselves in the carefree realm of games.

Paul Gauselmann, the chairman of Merkur, a leading gaming company, recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Gauselmann is a pioneer in the gaming industry and has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of the industry over the past several decades.

Born on August 26, 1934, in Borghorst, Germany, Gauselmann started his career as a jukebox operator in the 1950s. He quickly realized the potential of the gaming industry and founded his own company, Gauselmann Group, in 1957. The company initially focused on manufacturing jukeboxes and later expanded into the production of gaming machines.

Under Gauselmann’s leadership, the company grew rapidly and became one of the leading gaming companies in Europe. In 1974, he launched the Merkur brand, which quickly became synonymous with quality and innovation in the gaming industry. Today, Merkur is a household name in Germany and has a strong presence in several other countries around the world.

Gauselmann’s success can be attributed to his entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and commitment to excellence. He has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry and has continuously strived to innovate and improve his products. His dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has earned him a reputation as a trusted and respected leader in the gaming industry.

In addition to his business acumen, Gauselmann is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He is a strong supporter of various charitable organizations and has made significant contributions to causes such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.

As he celebrates his 90th birthday, Gauselmann shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of his company and remains committed to driving innovation and growth in the gaming industry.

In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Gauselmann has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. He is widely regarded as a visionary leader and a true pioneer in the gaming industry.

Overall, Paul Gauselmann’s 90th birthday is a testament to his remarkable achievements and enduring legacy in the gaming industry. His dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence have set him apart as a true industry icon. Here’s to many more years of success and innovation for this gaming legend.