China: Merlin Entertainments and China Media Capital Announce Cooperation

Merlin Entertainments, one of the world’s largest visitor attractions operators, and investment company China Media Capital recently announced their plans for the formation of a joint venture to create new attractions for the Chinese market. These plans include the development of an additional LEGOLAND^® park on the Asian continent. Following the announcements for the opening of Lego theme parks in Japan and South Korea (cf. EAP News from December 5, 2014), which are currently under construction, the next Asian LEOGALAND^® will be set up in the Shanghai area. Additionally, Merlin Entertainments and China Media Capital intend to adapt and localize some further Merlin brands, such as “The Dungeons” and “LEGOLAND^® Discovery Centers”, as well as to develop new brands and concepts, including “DreamWorks Tours – Kung Fu Panda Adventures”. Currently, Merlin operates five attractions in China and plans to open three further attractions within the next 18 months – “LEGOLAND^® Discovery Center Shanghai” and a “Madame Tussauds” and “SEA LIFE” aquarium in Chongqing. (eap)