Corporate Information
Corporate Information

Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location based, quality family entertainment. Now the world's number two visitor attraction operator, it aims to deliver unique, memorable and rewarding experiences to its 30 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and employees. Merlin has 51 attractions, in 12 countries, across three continents - Europe, North America and Asia - and employs over 13,000 staff.


A history of success

Merlin Entertainments Group has consistently delivered sustained growth, out - performing its competitors through a programme of organic growth - innovation / development at existing sites, expansion into new locations, and the development of new brands - coupled with strategic acquisitions.


1999 Merlin Entertainments Group formed via £47m MBO from Vardon - backed by APAX - kicked off a period of organic growth
2000


to



2004
Opening of Dungeons in Hamburg and Edinburgh
Continued expansion of the SEA LIFE Centre brand in Europe, including at Disneyland Paris as first third-party attraction brand for Disney resort, Helsinki, Speyer, Berlin and the first mobile SEA LIFE Centre at Dortmund
Visitor numbers up 25% since buyout to over 5 million
New brand launched in Belgium - Earth Explorer
New SEA LIFE Centres in Oberhausen and Dresden (mobile)
Merlin now Number 1 attraction operator in Germany
Secondary buyout backed by Hermes Private Equity
EBITDA +104% 2000 - 2004
2005 Second mobile SEA LIFE Centre launched in Nürnberg; new SEA LIFE Centre in Königswinter; new Dungeon in Amsterdam
Blackstone purchased Merlin for £102m
LEGOLAND acquisition makes Merlin No 2 in Europe/No 9 in world
2006 Continued expansion of SEA LIFE with new Centres in Munich and Loch Lomond
Italian acquisitions: Aquatica Water Park, Milan; and Italy's No 1 theme park - Gardaland (Park and Hotel)
Merlin Now No 1 European Visitor
Attraction Operator/No 6 Worldwide

Launch of Pirate Shores in LEGOLAND California delivers highest growth in US theme park in 2006.
2007 New SEA LIFE Centre in Hanover opened February
First 'LEGOLAND Atlantis by SEA LIFE' opened in Billund in March 2007 - new concept bringing together 2 of Merlin's successful brands
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre - first of a new indoor interactive attraction opened in Berlin April 2007
May 2007
Tussauds Group transaction takes
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS TO NO 2
VISITOR ATTRACTION OPERATOR IN THE WORLD