Amusement Parks: Merlin Entertainments to receive substantial compensation payment from London Bridge Experience Blooloop

Merlin Entertainments (Merlin) is to receive a substantial compensation payment from the London Bridge Experience (LBE) attraction following an out of court settlement of the company’s legal action against LBE.

The legal action was brought by Merlin after it complained of unlawful business practices, breach of intellectual property rights and intimidation by LBE and its staff, relating to its London Dungeon attraction.

The settlement includes payment by LBE of significant legal fees together with legally binding undertakings that they will:

·         Restrict their leafleting or soliciting of people in The London Dungeon queue;

·         Not prevent, obstruct or seek to discourage people from joining The London Dungeon queue;

·         Not use intimidating or threatening behaviour towards the public or The London Dungeon staff;

·         Not make false, misleading, disparaging or derogatory statements, comparisons or representations about The London Dungeon;

·         Not represent to any person that there is any connection between LBE and The London Dungeon.

Glenn Earlam, Managing Director of Merlin Entertainments’ Midway Attractions, which includes The London Dungeon, said today:   “This is a signal victory for Merlin in protecting The London Dungeon brand. Merlin has invested significant resources over many years in creating the Dungeon concept and has built an enviable reputation for the brand, which has an unrivalled reputation among its core teen constituency. We work unceasingly to ensure that The London Dungeon delivers the very best experience for our visitors.

“We passionately believe in fair competition, and we operate in very competitive circumstances around the world. We would never object to fair competition from attractions offering a distinct proposition to visitors. However, the sort of activity undertaken by LBE was totally unacceptable and Merlin had no choice but to put a stop to their unlawful activity which was directly targeted at The London Dungeon.

“The settlement of this litigation by LBE paying compensation, legal fees and providing legally binding undertakings is full justification for the action we took to protect our brand. It should serve as a warning that Merlin will fiercely defend its brands wherever they come under attack.”

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 58 attractions, 6 hotels and two holiday villages in 13 countries, across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 35 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13, 500 employees.

Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE – the world’s biggest aquarium brand, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, Heide Park, and Earth Explorer. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.