Merlin looks to major growth in Asia

Global attractions operator Merlin Entertainments is looking to expand further in Asia, aiming for up to a third of its turnover to come from the region.

Speaking on the BBC's Asia Business Report Merlin's Managing Director in Asia, Glenn Earlam, explained that Asia is "the most important growth area" for the UK-based business with ample opportunities for growth.

Earlham stated that Merlin is "interested in expanding in Singapore and more broadly in Asia", adding "we continue to be interested in the Singapore Flyer and in other brands like Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life brand that we could bring to this market."

Earlham added that Asia is the "most important (growth) area for us going forward.

"Asia has gone from 2% to 14% of our turnover in two years ... growth has been much stronger in Asia than in other areas around the world."

Earlham rejected a suggestion that the Asian attractions market might be saturated, concluding "the market continues to grow and grow substantially and the nature of attractions will change.

"(We will see) more high quality international branded attractions that will become more prominent."

Merlin, which operates Madame Tussauds, London Eye observation wheel and the Blackpool Tower in the United Kingdom, has become a major player in Australia and Asian attractions market in recent years. The company is Europe's top and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator as well as being the world's biggest global aquarium operator.

For more information go to www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23155428

18th June 2013 - MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS TO LIST ON LONDON STOCK MARKET