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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.
Prosek Partners represents Nuveen as it acquires London-based Schroders, which relies on Brunswick Group for PR counsel, in a $13.5B deal.
Qualcomm has recruited Brett Simpson for the senior VP-IR slot at the San Diego-based wireless technology company.
Reevemark handles Eddie Bauer LLC as the retailer inks a Chapter 11 restructuring pact that has it conducting liquidation sales at its US and Canadian stores while working to find a buyer for either all of or part of the chain.
Prosek Partners hires FTI Consulting vet David Roady to build and deepen its relationships in the corporate sector, particularly with chief communications officers and C-suite executives.
Kekst CNC handles Crestview Partners as the private equity firm acquires Tailwind Hospitality, operator of food, beverage and retail concessions in non-hub and regional airports, from Palladin Consumer Retail Partners.
