Company buys patents

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Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004 | 10:46 a.m.

Table game maker Shuffle Master Inc. has purchased two patents owned by ENPAT Inc. that relate to the electronic tracking of table games for $12.5 million.

The purchase allows Shuffle Master to continue to license the technology to slot maker Mikohn Gaming Corp. as well as to Gaming Partners International Corp., which makes electronic-enhanced chips and readers for table games.

Casinos are increasingly adopting technology that allows them to electronically monitor table games through special chips and cards that contain tracking devices.

"This transaction is another example of our ability to capitalize on our balance sheet strength to acquire intellectual property that will enable us to both develop and protect future products," Shuffle Master President and Chief Operating Officer Paul Meyer said.