Tourist attractions giant Merlin Entertainments has accepted a cash offer for its business from a new consortium (Bidco), formed by private equity company Blackstone joined by a Canadian pension fund and the Lego-owning family’s investment company Kirkbi.
The deal is worth nearly £6bn for the group, that operates Madame Tussauds, Legoland, Gardaland Resort, Alton Towers and the London Eye and in total 120 major attractions in 25 countries.
The group’s shareholders voted to accept the cash offer from the consortium following a recommendation from the board. Shareholders voted 83.83 per cent in favour of accepting the bid.
Subject to conditions the deal should be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.
