Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of: <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/News-ID513550.asp" target="_blank"><b>LP Column: 3/23/11 Kenversations: Blackstone Wants to Unload Universal Orlando</b></a> Ken looks at all the ramifications of Blackstone's desire to sell their stake in Universal Orlando including all the parties (Disney?) that could be interested.
Originally Posted By JeffG One thought that occurred to me is that Blackstone and Merlin Entertainment may very well be considered separate financial entities, even though Blackstone owns the majority interest in Merlin. Could Blackstone's invoking of the sell-out clause in their contract with Universal open the door to the possibility of a full buy out by Merlin? -Jeff
Originally Posted By SFH That would be an interesting move. Probably, Blackstone is simply looking to cash out high. Private equity companies are handy when you need an investor, but they're not in it for any other reason than a return on investment, especially in the relatively short term. Another entertainment or theme park company would be in it for growing their entertainment or theme park business for the long term.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper I still think Comcast will buy them From every report, Steve Burke wanted to be head of Disney Parks, which is why he left Disney. I don't see him passing this up. That being said, Merlin would be a great choice to buy them if that happens.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I don't know if Merlin would be a great choice. They were going to put a version of Shrek 4D in Alton Towers, but it fell through in the end as they were not willing to spend on the level of theming Universal demanded, and this is at their flagship park in the UK. You would never see something like the WWOHP while Merlin were in charge, they are too cheap. Yes, they do many things well, but not on the same scale.
