Merlin Entertainments Considers Sale of Sea Life Aquariums
Foto: Sea Life Konstanz
(eap) Merlin Entertainments (Merlin), the UK-headquartered operating group whose portfolio includes the LEGOLAND theme parks, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life attractions, is considering the sale of several visitor aquariums, including Sea Life-branded locations, according to the UK news channel Sky News.
The Rothschild bank has been commissioned to handle the process. Merlin operates more than 40 aquariums worldwide, many of which under the Sea Life brand. In the UK, there are eleven Sea Life locations, including London, Birmingham and Manchester. According to “sources close to the process”, these three locations are not for sale. However, several or – depending upon interest from bidders – all other Sea Life aquariums could be sold.
Towards EAP, a Merlin spokesperson stated today: “Like any well-run business, Merlin regularly reviews its estate to ensure it reflects the company’s long-term growth strategy. We continue to invest in our attractions globally – opening 24 new rides, attractions and experiences in 2024. Next month, the first standalone Peppa Pig Theme Park will open in Dallas Fort Worth followed by the first LEGOLAND Resort in China, opening in Shanghai this summer. This follows our recent announcement of a new global strategic partnership to bring Minecraft to life in Merlin locations – initially on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Merlin operates over 120 leisure facilities worldwide, which together register around 66 million visitors annually. The British operating group, which is currently led by interim CEO Fiona Eastwood (c.f. EAP news of 27 Nov 2024), is owned by a consortium consisting of KIRKBI (the holding and investment company of the LEGO-owning Kristiansen family), the investment company Blackstone and the Canadian pension fund CPPIB.
Read more about current investments that Merlin is making in its associated theme parks and midway attractions in our Park Report, which will be published shortly in the March/April issue of EAP Trade Magazine. ■
