Merkur founder Paul Gauselmann turns 90

On August 26, Paul Gauselmann, the founder of Merkur Group, celebrated his 90th birthday. Gauselmann, a vending machine magnate, corporate leader, and philanthropist, continues to play an active role in the company he founded in 1957, demonstrating a commitment to both business success and social responsibility.

Gauselmann's journey from humble beginnings in post-war Germany to overseeing a multinational corporation with approximately 15,000 employees and annual revenues of around four billion euros is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. "For 67 years, I have lived with the constant hopes and fears for the success of our corporate group," he reflected.

Starting with no capital, Gauselmann's first venture into business involved operating jukeboxes, eventually leading to the creation of the Merkur Group. Over the years, his company revolutionized the gaming industry, particularly with the launch of the Merkur B gaming machine in 1976, and the Merkur Disc, which became the best-selling slot machine ever with 40,000 units sold.

His decisions and innovations have earned the Merkur Group a dominant market share in Germany and a strong presence across Europe.

Gauselmann's influence extends beyond the business realm. He has been a staunch advocate for the gaming industry, serving as Chairman of the German Amusement and Vending Machine Industry Association (VDAI) for 38 years, where he successfully lobbied for the industry's interests. In recognition of his contributions, he was named honorary president of the VDAI in 2018.

Throughout his career, Gauselmann has remained connected to his roots, using his success to give back to his community. Through the Paul and Karin Gauselmann Foundation, established 25 years ago, he has donated nearly five million euros to various causes, including healthcare, education, and cultural preservation.

Notably, he funded the modernization of the Rahden Hospital, the construction of a medical training campus, and the acquisition of advanced medical equipment for local hospitals.

In recent years, Gauselmann has continued his philanthropic efforts, contributing around 20 million euros to public projects, including the construction of childcare centers and financial support for local towns facing economic challenges. He has also announced plans to allocate a significant portion of his private assets to his foundation, ensuring continued support for charitable causes in the future.

Looking back on his life's work, he said: "This will make it possible to support numerous good causes in the coming years."