Nordic online gambling operator Kindred Group is taking its first steps into the land-based casino business after a deal for Rank Group’s last Belgian venue.

On Thursday, the Stockholm-listed Kindred announced that it had reached a deal with UK-based Rank to pay £25m for Blankenberge Casino-Kursaal (Blancas) NV, which operates Casino Blankenberge in the West Flanders city. Kindred expects the deal to close before the year’s end, pending regulatory approval.

Kindred already has ties to the Blankenberge casino, having partnered with the venue since 2012 on a locally licensed online casino and poker operation under Kindred’s flagship Unibet brand.

Kindred said the acquisition demonstrates the company’s “long-term commitment” to its Belgian online gambling customers, who are now ensured of a “broad offering” at the company’s Belgian-licensed site.  Kindred plans to maintain the casino’s current management team, which is led by Dominique De Wilde.