Merlin Entertainments has reportedly shelved plans to sell some of its UK Sea Life aquariums after prospective buyers failed to submit sufficiently attractive bids.
Sky News reports that Merlin has decided to call off an auction of more than six Sea Life venues in locations including Blackpool, Brighton, Loch Lomond and Scarborough.
Sources said that private equity firms including Epiris and Platinum Equity were among a number of parties putting together offers for the attractions.
However, none of the offers had been in line with Merlin’s expectations.
A Merlin spokesperson told Sky News: “Like any well-run business, Merlin regularly reviews its estate, in line with the company’s long-term growth strategy.
“We continue to invest in our Sea Life aquariums, to ensure they provide wonderful experiences for guests and inspire a love for the ocean and its creatures.”
Merlin owns and operates more than 40 aquariums across the world, with sites in the UK, Europe, the US, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand.
In the UK, there are 11 Sea Life aquariums, although the locations in major cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester were not for sale.
Merlin open to future auction process
Sources said that Merlin would be open to an auction process for its Sea Life aquariums in the future, depending on interest from bidders.
Merlin’s newest Sea Life aquarium opened in June at Legoland Florida in Winter Haven.
It features 25 interactive exhibits, unique theming such as coral castles and hotel-style spaces, and more than 3,000 animals representing 150 different species from Florida’s coastal waters and around the world.
Images courtesy of Merlin
