
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.
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) |
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| Secondary buyout backed by Hermes Private Equity EBITDA +104% 2000 - 2004 |
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| 2005 | Second mobile SEA LIFE Centre launched in Nürnberg; new SEA LIFE Centre in Königswinter; new Dungeon in Amsterdam |
| 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) | |
Attraction Operator/No 6 Worldwide Launch of Pirate Shores in LEGOLAND California delivers highest growth in US theme park in 2006. |
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| 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 | MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS TO NO 2 VISITOR ATTRACTION OPERATOR IN THE WORLD |