WTF Merlin?

[Coastiesaurus]

But how would a ‘sale’ work? Merlin don’t own the physical sites

 

[Nicky Borrill]

But how would a ‘sale’ work? Merlin don’t own the physical sites

They'd assign the lease with the sale of the 'business' as a going concern. Which is the case with almost any other business that leases their premises.

And yes, @spicy it feels exactly like Merlin are one step short of asset stripping the place... Won't be long

 

[VonRolland]

Towers Introduced 1 free Fastrack per day for Platinum Pass holders recently however Towers are now stating that 'one-shot Fastrack may unavailable on some attractions after 1700. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy the many other attractions around the Resort and check back later.

Imagine implementing something then realising it's an issue because you used no forethought. Bunch of jokers

 

[Coastiesaurus]

So just looked in that in a little bit more detail and something interesting to point out. Alton towers was part of the sale/leaseback agreement from 2007, along with Thorpe, Warwick castle and Heide park. But Chessington was not, and Merlin own that property and the land outright.

Also interesting to note that not many operators worldwide have gone down the same sale/leasing structure road, and those that have similar things in place usually involve a local municipality rather than big real estate investment trusts.

 

[cookie]

Imagine implementing something then realising it's an issue because you used no forethought. Bunch of jokers

Speaking of, Alton has backtracked somewhat on the staggered openings. Spinball and Galactica are now 10.30 A.M openings instead of 11:

 

[spicy]

So just looked in that in a little bit more detail and something interesting to point out. Alton towers was part of the sale/leaseback agreement from 2007, along with Thorpe, Warwick castle and Heide park. But Chessington was not, and Merlin own that property and the land outright.

Also interesting to note that not many operators worldwide have gone down the same sale/leasing structure road, and those that have similar things in place usually involve a local municipality rather than big real estate investment trusts.

Makes you wonder too as Chessington is getting a 50 million pound investment with Minecraft whilst Thorpe Park get a new picnic area and AT get a new kiddie coaster with nothing seemingly on the horizon (AT pun intended)

Are they perhaps putting bigger investment into the park that they intend on keeping?

 

[Trax]

Wasn't it mentioned a few months ago that Merlin might be bancrupt by the end of the year if they keep burning money?

The whole company surely has some issues. I feel like their expansion drive is whats hurting them the most. It isn't bad to expand, but with the speed they've been doing it, is just not reasonable. Instead of focussing on earning money and keeping their existing properties attractive, they've overspent on blind expansion and tried to save money in their parks.

Chessington seems to be the new golden child for the park, with the amount of investent they're getting. But maybe - just maybe, Thorpe will also get something big, who knows.

Anyone remember the old 4 year plan for the parks? Those where the days.

 

[MackMan]

It's kind of insane to think they're putting an Intamin Multi Dimension coaster in Chessington, while postponing anything substantial at Alton. I feel the "Old Merlin" had so much focus on Alton Towers, and Chessington was the afterthought.

The picnic area at Thorpe is certainly a hilarious "addition", I feel like Merlin will keep the "we just built Hyperia" card for the next decade.

 

[Matt N]

I do find it disappointing that Merlin hasn’t capitalised more on the momentum from Hyperia.

Hyperia generated such enthusiasm and buzz for Thorpe, but 2 years on, it feels like they’ve done nothing with it. I’d hoped we might have a flat ride or something by now.

 

[VonRolland]

I do find it disappointing that Merlin hasn’t capitalised more on the momentum from Hyperia.

Hyperia generated such enthusiasm and buzz for Thorpe, but 2 years on, it feels like they’ve done nothing with it. I’d hoped we might have a flat ride or something by now.

Still a vast pit of mud under the ride with minimal 'theming' about, mean while in Romsey Paultons are heavily theming Valgard.
It is possible if you care, Merlin haven't cared for many years

 

[Lukas D]

Annual report is out:
https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/media/8353/motion-jvco-annual-report-and-accounts-2025.pdf

Press release:
https://www.merlinentertainments.bi...ishes-strong-platform-for-sustainable-growth/

Enjoy!