Seaworld

[Guest]

Merlin Entertainment, the owner of Legoland parks and Madame Tussauds wax museums, approached SeaWorld for a potential deal.

SeaWorld’s (-6.52%) been jumping through hoops to attract potential buyers. That’s because Blackfish, a 2013 documentary that exposed unethical treatment of its marine life, is still crushing demand for the oversized aquarium. Two years ago, profits collapsed 84%, and shares are down 25% just this year.

Of course, Merlin isn’t looking to dip its beard into nautical nightmares. It is, however, tempted by SeaWorld’s theme parks of a more terrestrial variety…like Busch Gardens. And hey, maybe souped-up rollercoasters can hedge against declining tourism at its London-based destinations like the London Eye. 

But don’t expect a wholesale acquisition—Merlin won’t be buying SeaWorld’s $1.3 billion business in its entirety. 

Not exactly what SeaWorld wants to hear.