The British Amusement and Catering Trade Association (BACTA) is to sell the ATE Group

At BACTA's National Council meeting it was agreed in principle to proceed with the sale, subject to the approval of the deal by the Trustees and Management Committee and subject to satisfactory terms being negotiated.

BACTA president, Tim Batstone, said: “Our primary aim is to secure the long term future funding for BACTA. Any deal will have to ensure it provides best value for BACTA members.”

ATE provides business services and information to the international gaming, gambling, coin-operated and electronic amusement and leisure industries.

Its exhibitions include ATEI, ICE, The Betting Show and Amuse, providing national and international showcases throughout the year for products and services.

The group also has a conference business, an online business, a publishing business - Coinslot International, Casino Review and bettingBUSINESS - and MachineGuard, a crime intelligence service for people in the UK's gaming and amusement industry.