Merlin Entertainments, which runs popular attractions including Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and the Edinburgh Dungeon, has been able to raise £957 million at its debut on the London Stock Exchange.The shares of the company rose 9 per cent on its debut yesterday on the stock market in London. The shares rose 32p to 347p as it sold 30 per cent stake priced at 315p. Merlin Entertainments also operates other attractions including Sea Life centres at Loch Lomond and Oban and Legoland and Chessington theme parks. The company announced conditional dealings will begin on 12 November, 2013. Experts were predicting that the shares were valued between 280p and 330p.
The company said that the members of the public who invest £1000 to buy shares will also get an option to save 30 per cent on yearly passes to Merlin attractions. Private equity owners Blackstone and CVC have said that they are selling their shares. However, Kirkbi, the Danish family-owned investment company that owns Lego and Legoland trademarks and 75 per cent of the Lego Group, will retain a significant stake in the company.
The chief executive Nick Varney said, "We have long stated our belief that becoming a public company was Merlin's ultimate destiny, providing the right long-term ownership to enable the next stage of development."
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