EUR500m Notes 2022 - Closing

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER OR INVITATION TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR, ANY SECURITIES OF Merlin Entertainments plc. NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL TO DO SO. PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICE AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Merlin Entertainments plc

Merlin completes offering of €500 million 2¾% senior notes due 2022

Merlin Entertainments plc ("Merlin" or the "Company"), announces the closing of its €500 million 2¾% senior notes due 2022. The notes have been listed on the Euro MTF Market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

The proceeds of the notes, together with borrowings under the new £635 million (equivalent) senior facilities agreement signed on 25th February 2015 and cash on hand, have been used to repay all of the Company's borrowings under its existing debt facilities and related fees, costs and expenses.

Following repayment of the Company's existing facilities, the Company has the following debt maturities:

£635 million term loans due 2020

£300 million revolving credit facility due 2020

€500 million senior notes due 2022

Andrew Carr, Chief Financial Officer of Merlin, said:

"We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the refinancing, including our debut bond offering. The new facilities provide us with attractive long term financing including lower interest costs, diversification of our sources of funding and the extension of our debt maturity profile. The support that we have received across both bond and bank markets reflects the strength of the Merlin strategy and continued investor confidence in our business."

Lazard & Co. provided independent advice to Merlin in relation to the refinancing.

Important notice

This press release shall not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act or the securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction and the securities may not be offered or sold within the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state or local securities laws.

This announcement is for information purposes only and is directed only at persons who are: (1) located outside the United States and are (a) persons in member states of the European Economic Area (the "EEA") who are qualified investors (as defined in EU Prospectus Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, including by EU Directive 2010/73/EU to the extent implemented in the relevant member state); (b) persons in the United Kingdom who are qualified investors and who are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"); or (ii) persons falling within Article 49(2) (a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.") of the Order; or (iii) persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated or (2) reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act) (all such persons in (1) and (2) together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

Merlin Entertainments plc

+44 (0)1202 440 082

Alistair Windybank, Investor Relations

Simon Whittington, Investor Relations

Tulchan Communications

+44(0)207 353 4200

Susanna Voyle

Victoria Huxster

About Merlin Entertainments plc

Merlin Entertainments plc is the leading name in location based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 100 attractions, 11 hotels and 3 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its more than 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its circa 26,000 employees.