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 PartnerTom Hartwrightwith support from Senior AssociateRamya Mahidhara, AssociatesJames Jankowski,Pansy DoyleandLiam Carrington, and TraineeMayo Oremakinde.
Technology & Commercial Transactions support was provided by PartnersLouisa ChambersandJames Longster, Senior AssociateAndy Maxwelland AssociateJorja Hills. Tax advice was provided by AssociateClaudia French. Real Estate advice was provided by Senior CounselCatherine O'Driscoll, Senior AssociateEmma Sykesand AssociateSeren Williams. Employment advice was provided by PartnerTim Gilbert, Senior AssociatesLaetitia AjimalandMatthew Davis.