Giants come together

London, New York, Dubai: Three cities – one deal. Merlin Entertainments Group (“Merlin”), controlled by the Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”), and The Tussauds Group (“TTG”), controlled by Dubai International Capital LLC (“DIC”), are today announcing a partnership of two rapidly growing businesses – Merlin and Tussauds. This brings together some of the biggest brand names in the global theme park and attractions market and positions the combined Merlin Entertainments Group as the world’s second biggest visitor attractions operator after Disney. DIC will receive £1,028 million (nearly 1,51 billion Euro) cash and retain a 20% stake in the combined company, investing alongside majority owner Blackstone and LEGO Holding/KIRKBI Groups. (eap)