Merlin Entertainments

[Parm Pap]

big trouble

 

 

oh well wetsuits are gone, and cutbacks are in, put stuff in the bin, and then oh look, we win

[Project LC]

Merlin entertainments credit rating has been downgraded by S&P due to its growing debts and cash outflow with declining revenues. 

 

"Persistent high cash burn could lead to insufficient liquidity after 12 months, without further cash injection"

 

All in all thats a pretty poor outlook and it does make me wonder what it means for future investments at the parks. 

 

 

[JoshC.]

Article here: https://archive.is/20250820155054/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-20/theme-park-operator-merlin-s-bonds-slide-after-credit-downgrade

 

Realistically and practically, I don't really understand what much of this means or what we might see as a knock on effect. But it certainly doesn't sound positive.

[Inferno]

It’s quite a sad situation really.  Caused, in my opinion at least, by the previous leadership and their unsustainable obsession with only investing in something if it would guarantee a direct and immediate return.

 

Now across the business there are many expensive things to pay for, at the worst possible time given how many UK parks are struggling.

What a rubbish time for everyone working at Merlin.  I really hope they can turn it around soon for everyone’s sake.

[Project LC]

The situation is entirely caused by management loosing sight of how theme parks make money. 

 

The gate fee covers the running costs, the spend in the park makes the money. Management decided to start contracting things out and cutting on maintenance so short term spend looked good. Unfortunately this meant Merlin earns less per head as another company is skimming off the top and guests spend less when unhappy. They lost sight of the absolute basics and now there is very little room for course correction. 

[Parm Pap]

big trouble ahead.

 

 

big, big trouble.

 

 

big big big big big big big BIG TROUBLE.

[JoshC.]

Parm Pap translation service:

 

Wait, this one actually makes sense. These must be troubling times.

[Matt 236]

It all feels a slippery slope to me, the companies profits are slipping and struggling due to at least a decade of unhealthy growth and numerous cut corners. A reduced credit rating is also a major concern. 
 

Merlin aren’t the only major operator with big issues (see Six Flags), but I think do have it worse personally.

[Inferno]

To be fair, I have to wonder, is it that dire?

 

Please don't get me wrong, there have been layoffs etc, which is truly awful for everyone affected (and everyone left behind tbh).  The parks definitely aren't what they once were either, with reduced offerings, poor food, expensive admission and merch, and all round just shabbiness.

Clearly things are not in a good way at Merlin, especially compared with the last decade or so.

 

However.. The parks are still busy.  Yes, attendance seems to be down, but it's not like it's completely dried up, and it's definitely not like they haven't invested in anything for years, as is happening elsewhere.

 

Merlin are actually still investing.

• They are building numerous rides and lands, right now, in UK parks.
• Alton are getting new things for Scarefest, neglected rides have been re-opened, and they have had a new flat this year.
• We've just had the country's tallest and fastest coaster open at Thorpe. That's massive investment.

Of course there are serious issues... but there are also good things happening, and the parks do seem to be thriving.

 

They are also now not beholden to shareholders, and the idiotic execs that ran the company in to the ground have now all abandoned ship. The relentless pursuit of profit at any cost has finally come to an end - this can only be a good thing.

 

What I'm trying to say is - it doesn't feel like Oakwood for example, which was all but abandoned towards the end. The Merlin parks do seem to be busy, and although I know this is contentious, they are receiving investment, all be it not on the scale it once was.

 

I am hoping they continue investing, and guests continue to come through the gates, and hopefully soon they can turn things around.

[Benin]

Doesn't help that majority of the guests are MAP holders.

 

One bit of income for the entire season. And most of us are tight when we get to the park(s) or rarely go much because the experiences aren't great.