Magic
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Merlin 2nd Biggest Amusment Industry CompanyUK-based attractions operator Merlin Entertainments has made it to the top of the Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100 – ‘Biggest 10’ list.
The Biggest 10 lists the private equity-owned companies in the UK with the fastest growing profits of more than £50m.
Now the second largest visitor attraction operator in the world, with 52 attractions and six hotels in 12 countries, the group recorded visitor numbers of 32 million in 2007.
Merlin topped the Sunday Times list even without its acquisition of Gardaland in Italy in December 2006 and The Tussauds Group in May 2007 being taken into account.
Eight years ago, the company was bought from Vardon in an APAX-supported MBO, then in 2004 it was bought by Hermes Private Equity and then in 2005 by Blackstone. Since then, as well as Gardaland and Tussauds, the four Legoland theme parks in Europe and the US have also become part of the company.
Chief Executive, Nick Varney, said: “Merlin has prospered under PE ownership, particularly with Blackstone.
“They have provided not simply investment, but also the business and strategic support we needed to build a world leading leisure organisation of which we are both."
Guess they'll do even better in next years list with their expensive season pass and little investment in UK parks for 2008.
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bluea61
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Re: Merlin 2nd Biggest Amusment Industry Company | Magic wrote: | | Guess they'll do even better in next years list with their expensive season pass and little investment in UK parks for 2008. |
Thats probably true, but to be fair to Merlin they have only just taken over the parks and have already paid for the Merrie England re-theme and continued to back the 2009 coaster at Thorpe. Along with the new rapids at Legoland I think they have been quite busy. Lets at least give them a chance to prove what they are going to do before we all assume they're going to invest like Tussuads.
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amigasat
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Merlin have already upset the staff at Alton Towers.
They've banned their staff from using all food outlets at the park. They must now bring their own packed lunches. Not good on a cold and wet and long day!
Dave
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frosty
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Why do this? If the staff would have to pay like everyone else then why not let them eat at the outlets if they want to?
It's a sure way to upset the workers and seems to border on nastiness. Treat people fairly and most will treat others in kind i.e. the customers.
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Happy Helen
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No it is not good that the staff have to bring their own food and that they have been banned from using the food outlets.
It sounds like they have been very busy with the re-theming of the Merrie England area at Alton Towers and that they have continued to back the coaster at Thorpe Park, along with the new rapaids at Legoland, so they will probally need a chance before they can invest like Tussauds.
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