Travers Smith LLP has advised long-standing client Merlin Entertainments on the sale of its LEGO Discovery Centres and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres to the LEGO Group.
The sale will include 29 Centres in nine countries which attract around five million visitors each year and is expected to close around the end of the year with an estimated cash consideration of £0.2bn (subject to customary closing adjustments).
Merlin Entertainments and the LEGO Group will continue their long-standing brand partnership. Merlin will continue to operate eleven LEGOLAND Resorts around the world under licence from the LEGO Group, including the recently opened resort in Shanghai.
The Travers Smith team was led by Private Equity & Financial Sponsors Partner Tom Hartwright with support from Senior Associate Ramya Mahidhara, Associates James Jankowski, Pansy Doyle and Liam Carrington, and Trainee Mayo Oremakinde.
Technology & Commercial Transactions support was provided by Partners Louisa Chambers and James Longster, Senior Associate Andy Maxwell and Associate Jorja Hills. Tax advice was provided by Associate Claudia French. Real Estate advice was provided by Senior Counsel Catherine O'Driscoll, Senior Associate Emma Sykes and Associate Seren Williams. Employment advice was provided by Partner Tim Gilbert, Senior Associates Laetitia Ajimal and Matt Austin. Employee incentives advice was provided by Senior Associate Claire Prentice.
