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Europe's leading attractions operator Merlin Entertainments has announced earlier this month the sale of Earth Explorer, its only science edutainment attraction which is located in Ostend, Belgium. The sale and purchasing agreement for the management of the company was signed with German based Blueprint Entertainment.
According to the official statement, the attraction is currently closed but will reopen on completion of the deal which is expected to be within the next 4 - 6 weeks. "With the acquisition of Earth Explorer we have implemented another step in our expansion strategy," said Andreas Waschk, chairman of Blueprint Entertainment, "and we are delighted to be able to ensure that such an exciting attraction will be maintained in the future."
Blueprint Entertainment already runs two other science center attractions: the adventure museum Odysseum in Cologne and the Children's Museum Explorado in Duisburg. The addition of Earth Explorer makes them the leading independent operator of science centers in Europe and very well placed to continue to develop the Earth Explorer concept and experience, drawing on the expertise within the Odysseum and Explorado businesses.
A concept originally conceived in conjunction with Belgian astronaut Dirk rimout, the Frimout Foundation, and POM West Flanders (representing the City Council of Ostend, the Province West Flanders and the Flemish Government), Earth Explorer is a popular destination for both families and school groups. It offers a unique and exciting way for visitors to experience how the four elements of nature - wind, fire, water and earth - have shaped our world, using spectacular simulators and exciting interactive experiments to really bring the concept alive.
Commenting Glenn Earlam, Merlin Entertainments Managing Director Midway Attractions, said: " Earth Explorer has been part of Merlin’s global portfolio since 2004, however since then our business has developed significantly. The company is now Europe’s No 1 visitor attraction operator with almost 100 attractions in 22 countries, and the main focus of our growth strategy is the global roll-out of our primary ‘midway’ brands – SEA LIFE aquariums; Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attractions; LEGOLAND Discovery Centres and the ‘Eye’ observation attractions."
"We therefore felt that a different operator may be better able to give Earth Explorer the kind of focus required to optimise the future development of a science based attraction. We are delighted to have found in Blueprint Entertainment a company that not only has significant science experience but also which will continue to develop the excellent concept of Earth Explorer in the future. That was certainly our objective when we decided to look for a buyer,“ he added.
Merlin’s links with Earth Explorer however will be maintained as the new owners will also continue to look at joint marketing opportunities with Merlin’s other popular attraction in the area, the SEA LIFE aquarium in Blankenberge. "We are pleased to continue this collaboration which not only benefits both attractions, but also the region as a whole by us working together to encourage visitors to the area. “ concluded Earlam.
Merlin Entertainments has reported record financial results in FY 2012 with revenues exceeding the billion GBP and an attendance of more than 54 million guests. The British group has thus confirmed its position as the world's second largest operator of visitor attractions behind The Walt Disney Company. Read more about that story...
NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
According to the official statement, the attraction is currently closed but will reopen on completion of the deal which is expected to be within the next 4 - 6 weeks. "With the acquisition of Earth Explorer we have implemented another step in our expansion strategy," said Andreas Waschk, chairman of Blueprint Entertainment, "and we are delighted to be able to ensure that such an exciting attraction will be maintained in the future."
"We therefore felt that a different operator may be better able to give Earth Explorer the kind of focus required to optimise the future development of a science based attraction. We are delighted to have found in Blueprint Entertainment a company that not only has significant science experience but also which will continue to develop the excellent concept of Earth Explorer in the future. That was certainly our objective when we decided to look for a buyer,“ he added.
