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Brunswick Group is working for Merlin Entertainments as the owner of Legoland Resorts, The London Eye and Madame Tussauds wax museums agrees to a $7.6B takeover in what the Financial Times calls “one of the largest European buyouts in recent history.”
Blackstone private equity giant, Denmark’s Kristiansen family, which controls Lego toymaker, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board form the consortium that is acquiring the British firm that runs family-based brands/attractions in 25 countries.
Merlin’s UK businesses have been hurt by Brexit and criticism that some of its parks are dated and too expensive, according to the FT.
Joe Baratta, Blackstone’s global head of private equity, said his firm is ready to “commit the substantial resources required to support the long-term objectives of Merlin” and looks forward “to backing Nick Varney and his strong management team.”
Brunswick’s Simon Sporborg, Fiona Micallef-Eynard and Daniel Holgersson are PR advisors to Merlin.
FTI Consulting’s Neil Doyle, Louisa Feltes and Ed Bridges are working for Blackstone and the Kristiansen family’s investment arm.
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ICR handles Rare Earths Americas as the Manchester, Georgia-based company plans an initial public offering valued in the $370M range.
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