Madame Tussauds owner eyes SeaWorld to offset decline

Merlin Entertainments has approached SeaWorld Entertainment about a potential deal as the UK theme-park operator and owner of Madame Tussauds seeks to expand overseas to offset a slide in tourists visiting London.

Merlin, which also runs the Thorpe Park Resort in England and Legoland parks across the world, has made a bid for part of the company, which could be a hurdle as SeaWorld prefers an outright sale, the sources said.

SeaWorld, which has been working with advisers to explore options including a sale, also received interest from other possible suitors.