Legoland Owner Is Not Interested to Negotiations With SeaWorld Park

Merlin Entertainments Plc is not in talks with SeaWorld Park Entertainment Inc. about an acquisition of the US company or an agreement on one of its parties, said the British owner of Legoland theme parks.

Merlin, who has been trying to expand overseas to make up for a drop in one-day visits to London, had previously expressed interest in SeaWorld Park about a possible operation, people close to the matter said last week. The British company, which operates the Madame Tussauds wax museums and the London Eye, was reportedly interested in Seaworld’s Busch Gardens theme parks.

“We can confirm that Merlin does not participate in any negotiations that may lead to an acquisition of SeaWorld park or any of its constituent parts,” Merlin said in a statement, responding to a request for comments from Social Network Media.

Merlin shares fell 1.1% on Wednesday in London.

SeaWorld park chief Joel Manby has been trying to stem a fall in sales and share prices from Orlando-based parks owner, famous for his orcas in the past. The company, valued at US $ 1.2 billion, has Chinese leisure company Zhonghong Zhuoye as its largest shareholder, with a 21 percent stake.