The Firm is representing Blackstone on the sale of part of its stake in Merlin Entertainments Group to CVC Capital Partners. Under the transaction, which values Merlin at £2.25 billion, Blackstone will reduce its stake, but will continue to hold a significant interest in the company. KIRKBI, the privately-held, family-owned investment and holding company that controls the LEGO Group, will keep its shareholding unchanged. Dubai International Capital will dispose of its remaining stake in line with its strategy of moving out of non-core holdings.
Merlin’s ownership structure is now: KIRKBI 36 per cent, Blackstone 34 per cent and CVC 28 per cent. The management of Merlin will hold the remaining shares, with the owners setting aside a further significant stake for a staff incentive plan.
Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin currently has 62 attractions, six hotels/two holiday villages in 13 countries and across three continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 38.5 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 14000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Underwater Adventures, Heide Park and Earth Explorer.
The London-based Simpson Thacher team includes: Mike Wolfson, David Vann, Ken Barry, Bart Gombert and Meredith Jones.