Merlin Entertainments History and Growth

Merlin Entertainments has a rich history that spans over five decades. Founded in 1979 by Nick Varney and John Hendricks, the company started small with a single theme park in the UK.

The company's early success was largely due to its acquisition of Alton Towers in 1980. This iconic theme park has been a staple of British entertainment ever since.

Merlin Entertainments' growth was further accelerated by its expansion into the European market, with the acquisition of several theme parks and attractions.

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Merlin Entertainments has a rich history that spans several decades. The company was founded in 1979 by Nick Varney.

The company's first theme park, Alton Towers, was opened in 1980 in Staffordshire, England. It has since become one of the UK's most popular theme parks.

Merlin Entertainments has experienced significant growth over the years, with the acquisition of several other theme parks and attractions.

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In 2005, Merlin Entertainments bought control of the Legoland theme parks for about £250 million, merging it with Merlin and taking a share in the company for the investment arm of LEGO's owners, Kirkbi A/S.

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This acquisition marked the beginning of Merlin's expansion into the theme park industry.

In 2006, Merlin acquired Gardaland theme park resort in northeastern Italy, expanding its presence in the European market.

The company continued to grow through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of The Tussauds Group in May 2007 for US$1.9 billion.

As part of the Tussauds deal, Dubai International Capital received a 20% stake in the combined entity as well as £1.03bn in cash.

The freeholds of several Merlin properties, including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Madame Tussauds, were sold to private investor Nick Leslau in 2007 with a 35-year leaseback agreement.

In 2010, Merlin bought Cypress Gardens, a defunct theme park in Winter Haven, Florida, and reopened it as Legoland Florida theme park.

The company also acquired several entertainment attractions in Australia and New Zealand from Village Roadshow Theme Parks in 2011, including Sydney Aquarium and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.

This acquisition added to Merlin's portfolio of attractions in the Asia-Pacific region, which also included the purchase of Living and Leisure Australia for $140 million later that year.

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In June 2019, the company's board agreed to recommend a takeover offer of £4.8 billion from a consortium consisting of Kirkbi A/S, CPP Investment Board and The Blackstone Group.

This takeover was a significant milestone in the company's history, marking a return to private ownership after being publicly listed.

Nick Varney left the company at the end of 2022, ending a long tenure with the company.

Varney was replaced by Scott O'Neil, who brought a background in media and sports management to the role.

In March 2023, Merlin cancelled a new Legoland resort in Belgium, which had been planned to open in 2027.

By the end of 2024, both Little Big City sites in Berlin and Beijing and the Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham, UK were closed.

O'Neil left the company at the end of 2024, marking the end of another significant chapter in the company's history.

Fiona Eastwood took over as CEO, becoming the new leader of the company.

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Merlin Entertainments operates a diverse range of theme parks across the globe.

The company owns and operates several resort theme parks, including Gardaland Resort in Italy, which was purchased by Blackstone in 2006. Gardaland Resort has been in operation since 1975 and features 64 acres of land.

Some of Merlin's resort theme parks were acquired in 2007, including Heide Park Resort in Germany, Thorpe Park in the UK, Alton Towers Resort in the UK, and Chessington World of Adventures Resort in the UK. All of these parks have been in operation for over 30 years.

Merlin Entertainments also owns several LEGOLAND parks, which offer a unique theme park experience for families. The first LEGOLAND park was opened in Billund, Denmark in 1968 and features 35 acres of land.

Here are some of the Merlin Entertainments parks and resorts:

Merlin Entertainments also operates several other theme parks, including LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort in Germany, LEGOLAND Florida Resort in the US, and LEGOLAND Japan Resort in Japan.

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Accessibility is a top priority at Merlin Entertainments. Guests with certain disabilities can get a Ride Access Pass, which lets them enter via the ride exit to avoid the queuing.

This pass is a game-changer for those who need it, allowing them to enjoy the attractions without the hassle of long lines.

Merlin Entertainments has a strong focus on accessibility and inclusivity, offering a range of services to support guests with additional needs.

Samuels & Company, a partner of Merlin, has assisted the company in developing 34 locations across the US and Canada over the past 12 years, including various theme parks and attractions.

Merlin Annual Passholders with additional needs can obtain a complimentary Carer Pass, which allows a carer to accompany them to attractions without incurring an additional cost.

To obtain a Carer Pass, passholders must provide proof of disability, such as a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) document, dated within the last 24 months.

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The complimentary Carer Pass is transferable between carers and can be issued online following the instructions on the Merlin website.

Here are the documents that can be used to obtain a complimentary Carer Pass:

This pass is designed to offer assistance to the disabled guest only and must be accompanied by them at all times.

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In 2013, Merlin made history by floating 30% of the company on the London Stock Exchange, valuing the private equity-backed company at almost £3.4 billion.

This move marked a significant milestone for the company, which had previously been private. Merlin's decision to go public was a result of its growth and expansion over the years.

The company's valuation more than doubled from its initial public offering, demonstrating its potential for growth and success. The public listing also provided Merlin with access to new capital and investment opportunities.

Merlin's public listing was facilitated by its largest shareholder, Kirkbi, a Danish family trust that owns LEGO, which emerged as the largest shareholder with a 36% stake.

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If you or a member of your group has a disability, you may be eligible for a Ride Access Pass. This pass allows you to enter the ride via the exit, avoiding the regular queue.

The Ride Access Pass is designed to provide a more comfortable experience for guests with disabilities. It's available for guests who are unable to queue due to the nature of their condition or the ride infrastructure.

To obtain a Ride Access Pass, please see the disabled guides above for further information. This will provide you with the necessary details to get the pass.

There is no specific information provided on how to obtain the Ride Access Pass, so it's best to follow the instructions in the disabled guides.

The Ride Access Pass is not mentioned in the context of the complimentary Carer Pass, so it's likely a separate service.

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Samuels & Company has a proven track record of success, having assisted Merlin in developing 34 locations over the past twelve years.

They've worked closely with corporate executives, attraction general managers, and local real estate brokers to select the best sites for Merlin's brands, including Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, SEA LIFE Centers, and more.

In the past twelve years, Samuels & Company has helped Merlin develop 34 locations, including five Madame Tussauds and 14 LEGOLAND Discovery Centers.

This impressive list of developments spans 24 markets in the U.S. and Canada, showcasing the company's ability to navigate diverse regions and markets.

Their expertise has been instrumental in Merlin's expansion, with a number of new attractions scheduled to open in 2020/2021.

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To make the most of your visit to Merlin Entertainments' UK theme parks, it's essential to plan ahead. You'll need to pre-book your Ride Access Reservations online before your visit.

Ride access pass reservations are subject to availability, so be sure to apply for your Nimbus Access Card at least 3 months prior to your visit.

You must have a valid Nimbus Access Card in order to pre-book your Ride Access Pass reservation, so don't forget to get yours in time.

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Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in branded, location-based, family entertainment. With over 140 locations worldwide, they offer a variety of attractions that cater to different interests and age groups.

Their portfolio includes resort theme parks such as Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, and Gardaland Resort. These parks offer a range of activities, including roller coasters, water parks, and accommodations.

Merlin Entertainments also owns LEGOLAND parks, which are designed for families with young children. The first LEGOLAND park was opened in Billund, Denmark in 1968, and the company has since expanded to other locations around the world, including the United States, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.

Here are some of the LEGOLAND parks operated by Merlin Entertainments:

In addition to these parks, Merlin Entertainments also operates other attractions, such as Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE centers, and Peppa Pig World of Play. These attractions offer unique experiences for visitors, from interactive exhibits to themed play areas.

Merlin Entertainments has a strong presence in North America, with Samuels & Company serving as their exclusive North American Realty Advisor/Broker. This partnership has helped the company expand its presence in the region and develop new attractions.

Overall, Merlin Entertainments is a company that offers a wide range of attractions and experiences for families and thrill-seekers alike. With its global presence and diverse portfolio, it's no wonder they're a leader in the entertainment industry.

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