Merlin Entertainments, which runs popular attractions including Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, the London Eye and the Edinburgh Dungeon, will be valued at between £2.86 billion and £3.33 billion when it makes a debut on the stock market. It is believed that about 20 to 30 per cent of the shares of the company will be available through the initial public offering.

Merlin Entertainments also operates other attractions including Sea Life centres at Loch Lomond and Oban and Legoland and Chessington theme parks. The company announced more details of the proposed flotation saying that conditional dealings will begin on 12 November, 2013. Experts have said that the shares are expected to be valued at between 280p and 330p and around 15 per cent will be sold to retail investors.

The company said that the members of the public who invest £1000 to buy shares will also get an option to save 30 per cent on yearly passes to Merlin attractions. Private equity owners Blackstone and CVC have said that they are selling their shares. However, Kirkbi, the Danish family-owned investment company that owns Lego and Legoland trademarks and 75 per cent of the Lego Group, will retain a significant stake in the company.