Global Cash Access to buy Multimedia Games for $1.2 billion

Global Cash Access Holdings is getting into the casino gaming business, spending about $1.2 billion to buy Multimedia Games Holdings.

Both companies make machines found on casino floors. Global Cash Access makes ATMs and cash-advance kiosks, while Austin, Texas-based Multimedia Games makes video slot machines.

Global Cash Access is paying $36.50 for each share of Multimedia Games. That's a 31 percent premium from Las Vegas-based Multimedia Games' closing price of $27.78 on Friday.

The deal is expected to close early next year.

Shares of Multimedia Games Holding Co. soared 28 percent in premarket trading Monday.