Merlin Entertainments

Poole, United Kingdom Founded: 1999 • Age: 27 yrs Acquired By Blackstone
Branded visitor attractions and theme parks are operated globally.
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About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a company based in Poole (United Kingdom) founded in 1999 was acquired by Blackstone in June 2019.. Merlin Entertainments has raised $19.9 million across 4 funding rounds from investors including Blackstone, CPP Investments and IFB Hamburg. Merlin Entertainments has completed 1 acquisition, including Global Aquariums. Merlin Entertainments offers products and services including Theme Park Experiences and Indoor Attractions.

  • Headquarter Poole, United Kingdom
  • Stage Public
  • Sectors
    Travel & Hospitality
    Education
  • Email
    ***********
  • Phone
    *********
  • Website
    *********
  • Social
    *********
  • Legal Name Merlin Entertainments
Operational Areas
Travel & Hospitality → Tourism Development & Attractions
Education → Educational Content & Publishing
Key Metrics
  • Annual Revenue
  • Net Profit
  • EBITDA
  • Total Equity Funding
    $19.9 M (USD)

    in 4 rounds

  • Latest Funding Round
    $1.15 M (USD), Grant

    Oct 13, 2022

  • Investors
    Blackstone

    & 3 more

  • Employee Count
    Employee Count
  • Investments & Acquisitions
  • Acquired by
    Blackstone

    (Jun 28, 2019)

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Products & Services of Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including Theme Park Experiences and Indoor Attractions. The company's diverse product and service offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers, address market demands, and provide comprehensive solutions that drive value creation and customer satisfaction across various segments and use cases.

Primary

Theme park experiences are offered through operations of parks like Alton Towers and LEGOLAND, focusing on visitor engagement

Indoor attractions such as SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds are provided as branded venues for entertainment purposes

People of Merlin Entertainments
Headcount 10000+
Employee Profiles 433
Board Members and Advisors 7
Employee Profiles
People
Natalie Walker
People Data Analyst
People
Bryan Sanborn
Head Of Marketing - Large City Cluster Attractions
People
John Jakobsen
Chief Operating Officer, LEGOLAND Resorts Group
People
Sarah Foster
Executive Assistant To Chief People Officer

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Board Members and Advisors
people
Trudy Rautio
Independent Non-executive Director
people
John Sunderland
Chairman
people
Rachel Chiang
Independent Non-executive Director
people
Søren Thorup Sørensen
Non-executive Director

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Funding Insights of Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments has successfully raised a total of $19.9M across 4 strategic funding rounds. The most recent funding activity was a Grant round of $1.15 million completed in October 2022. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.

  • Total Funding
  • Total Rounds 4
  • Last Round Grant — $1.2M
  • First Round

    (29 Oct 2013)

  • Investors Count 1
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Oct, 2022 Amount Grant - Merlin Entertainments Valuation

investors

Oct, 2019 Amount Debt – Conventional - Merlin Entertainments Valuation

investors

May, 2018 Amount Debt – Conventional - Merlin Entertainments Valuation

investors

Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Investors in Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments has secured backing from 4 investors, including institutional and venture fund investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Blackstone, CPP Investments and IFB Hamburg. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.

All
Venture Fund
Institutional
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Diversified investment management is provided across multiple asset classes.
Founded Year Domain Location
KIRKBI is engaged in building a better future for children.
Founded Year Domain Location
News portal for private banking and investment sectors is operated.
Founded Year Domain Location
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
Founded Year Domain Location
Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
Founded Year Domain Location

Investments & Acquisitions by Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments has strategically engaged in corporate development activities, having acquired 1 company. Notable acquisitions include Global Aquariums. These strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth through portfolio expansion, market consolidation, technology integration, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitive positioning and drive long-term value creation.

Investments
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Acquisitions
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Entertainment aquarium services are provided to global clients.
0
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
OVO is recognized as a smart digital payment application.
2017
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014

Financial Statements - Merlin Entertainments

Tata Steel revenue growth over time
Tata Steel profit and loss trends over time
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Merlin Entertainments Comparisons

Employees
+
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Competitors of Merlin Entertainments

Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
domain founded_year HQ Location
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Merlin Entertainments

When was Merlin Entertainments founded?

Merlin Entertainments was founded in 1999 and raised its 1st funding round 14 years after it was founded.

Where is Merlin Entertainments located?

Merlin Entertainments is headquartered in Poole, United Kingdom. It is registered at Poole, England, United Kingdom.

Is Merlin Entertainments a funded company?

Merlin Entertainments is a funded company, having raised a total of $19.9M across 4 funding rounds to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Debt – Conventional of $400M, raised on Oct 29, 2013.

What does Merlin Entertainments do?

Merlin Entertainments was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Poole, United Kingdom. Operations focus on the entertainment sector, where a portfolio of attractions is owned and managed, including indoor sites like SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds, as well as theme parks such as LEGOLAND and Alton Towers. Partnerships with intellectual property holders are utilized to deliver varied experiences. Employee training and development are emphasized across diverse demographics.

What products or services does Merlin Entertainments offer?

Merlin Entertainments offers Theme Park Experiences and Indoor Attractions.

How many acquisitions has Merlin Entertainments made?

Merlin Entertainments has made 1 acquisition, including Global Aquariums.

Who are Merlin Entertainments's investors?

Merlin Entertainments has 4 investors. Key investors include Blackstone, CPP Investments, IFB Hamburg, and KIRKBI.

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