York Dungeon owner upbeat on 2015
Merlin, the world’s second biggest operator of visitor attractions behind Walt Disney, said pre-tax profit rose 35 per cent to £249m, ahead of analysts’ average forecast of £240m.
Like-for-like sales rose 7.1 per cent with total revenue up 9.6 per cent to £1.25bn, helped by a rise in visitors, new openings and stellar trade at its Legoland Parks on the back of “The Lego Movie” last year.
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Hide AdMerlin has ambitious expansion plans, with new Legoland Parks set to open in Dubai, Japan and Korea by 2017 and a raft of new short-stay sites such as Dungeons, Sea Life Centres and a new Shrek-themed attraction also slated.
“2015 is expected to be another year of growth for Merlin, with positive underlying trading and a strong new business development pipeline,” Merlin boss Nick Varney said.
Shares in the company, up a third since listing on the London stock exchange in November 2013, were up 1.8 per cent at 426.9p this morning.