Merlin Hints At Interest In Buying SeaWorld’s Busch Gardens


Skift Take

SeaWorld is still struggling and Merlin is probably hoping it can bag a bargain. Watch this space.

Could UK-based Merlin Entertainments be about to make an attempt to buy Busch Gardens from struggling SeaWorld? Recent reports have suggested that the Florida-headquartered theme park operator has brought in external financial advisers to examine the company, leading to speculation about possible sales and reorganizations. If this does go ahead, Merlin is likely to be one of the companies interested in the assets. Speaking after the company’s first-half results, Merlin chief financial officer Anne-Francoise Nesmes said it was keeping a close eye on Busch Gardens. “It takes two part