A Merlin SeaWorld deal may be on the cards. However, does Merlin Entertainments, the UK -based theme park operator, really seek a merger? It is certainly considering purchasing certain parts of the SeaWorld operation. Nevertheless, it seems like SeaWorld would prefer to sell all of itself rather than selected parts. Merlin currently own Madame Tussauds and Legoland parks.
Because of this, Merlin shares increased 1.3% short after the start of trading, contributing to a 20.12 points rise of the FTSE to 7.487.70. It is believed in some quarters that the part of SeaWorld that interests Merlin Entertainments is the Busch Gardens theme parks. So what’s the likely deal?
It is likely that any Merlin SeaWorld deal will result in the companies merging with Merlin as the owner. This seems more likely than SeaWorld simply parting with Busch Gardens. Should the deal go ahead, this would be the first merger or acquisition Merlin Entertainment s has participated in since 2013. That’s the year it floated on the London Stock Exchange, after which it has been steadily building the business. There was one purchase in 2016, when Merlin acquired 15% of Big Bus Tour shares. Apparently, the firm looks at acquisitions and mergers as a key strategy in its future growth.
Merlin Entertainments is not new to the US side of the theme park business. It operates parks such as Legoland Florida across the US. It also operates Sea Life theme parks that would fit in well with what Busch Gardens has to offer in Florida and Virginia. Busch Gardens also allow visitors to encounter animals. That said, neither Merlin Entertainments nor Sea World was willing to comment.
Sure! There seems to be no reason why a SeaWorld – Merlin Entertainments merger should not take place. Merlin Entertainments are likely keen to acquire SeaWorld now because other companies have their eye on it. In fact, the company’s shares were up by almost 5% after trading Wednesday. So will this SeaWorld Merlin deal go though, and will it benefit both companies? Merlin Entertainments seem to be a progressive company, and SeaWorld seems to be beneficial to both theme park businesses.
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