United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Legoland owner Merlin reportedly approached SeaWorld over purchase
Embattled theme park operator saw its shares initially surge on rumors Legoland parent company Merlin Entertainments wants to strike a deal for part of its business.
According to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg, Merlin made an offer for part of the SeaWorld business although SeaWorld wants an outright sale of the entire company.
A source says there is also interest from other potential buyers.
Merlin has a corporate policy against captive animal attractions leaving SeaWorld’s Busch Gardens as the likely option for purchase.
The SeaWorld business is thought to be valued at about US$1.3 billion.
Back in August during an earnings call Merlin CFO said Anne-Francoise Nesmes said SeaWorld’s Busch Gardens parks have ‘good-quality assets and that we would be interested but it takes two parties to do a deal.’
Both Merlin and SeaWorld declined to comment.
SeaWorld has struggled to prop up its share price and arrest declining attendance figures ever since the ‘Blackfish’ documentary controversy in 2013.
It has been working with advisers to explore possible strategic options including a sale.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike