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CVC looks to invest in London Eye group
PRIVATE equity group CVC Capital is close to purchasing a stake in theme park operator Merlin Entertainments, which owns Legoland, Madame Tussauds and the London Eye. Reports suggests that CVC would buy a minority stake from Merlin’s existing shareholders, which include rival private equity firm Blackstone, sovereign wealth fund Dubai International Capital and the Lego Group investment arm, Kirkbi A/S.
Any deal would put an end to Merlin’s hopes of an initial public offering, following a shelved attempt four months ago.
CVC is reportedly set to buy a 30 per cent stake in the company, leaving Blackstone, Kirkbi and the company’s managers owning the remainder.