Merlin Entertainments Regulatory News (MERL)

Merlin Entertainments plc

Merlin announces that Andrew Carr will retire in 2016 after 16 years as Chief Financial Officer

6 January 2016

Andrew Carr has been Chief Financial Officer of Merlin Entertainments since 1999 and has served as a Director of the Company over the same period including since its listing in November 2013. He has indicated that this is the right time for the Board to commence a succession planning process so that he can retire in 2016. This process will evaluate internal and external candidates and Andrew has agreed to remain in post to ensure an orderly and smooth handover.

Sir John Sunderland, Chairman, commented:-

'On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Andrew for the dedication he has shown to the company during these 16 years. Andrew has been a major contributor to Merlin's phenomenal growth during this period and to its successful transition to a public company. We look forward to working with his successor to further build on this progress.'

Andrew commented:-

'It has been a privilege to work at Merlin Entertainments and I am extremely proud of the progress that the Company has made during my tenure here. With the JV announced in China and the exciting Midway rollout plans, there will be lots of innovation and growth in the future. Although it will be difficult to leave such a fantastic organisation, now is the right time for the Board to begin the process of identifying my successor. I will continue in my role into 2016 until a suitable successor has been appointed and settled into the role. We have a strong and talented management team and I would like to thank them and our 27,000 colleagues for their hard work in building this company. I wish everyone the best as the company continues to thrive under its current strategy.'

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Enquiries

Merlin Entertainments plc

+44 (0) 1202 440 082

Alistair Windybank, Investor Relations

Simon Whittington, Investor Relations

Brunswick Group

+44 (0) 20 7404 5959

Diana Vaughton, Craig Breheny

About Merlin Entertainments plc

Merlin Entertainments plc is a global leader in location based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 100 attractions, 12 hotels and 4 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable experiences to its more than 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its circa 27,000 employees.