Merlin Entertainments reveals plans for LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Beijing

Announcement comes during UK Prime Minister’s trade mission to China

2 February 2018, Beijing: Merlin Entertainments (“Merlin” or “the Company”), the world's second largest visitor attraction operator, has announced that it will open a LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre in Beijing, building on its existing attractions in China. The announcement comes at a time of particular focus on UK links with China, during UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s trade visit to the country this week. She has acknowledged the importance of UK business activity in China, including Merlin’s c£20m investment in Midway attractions, which also includes the previously announced Little BIG City Beijing and THE SHANGHAI DUNGEON. LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Beijing, which is due to open at Long Hu Beijing Chang Ying Tian Jie mall in 2019, will be a unique indoor attraction, specifically designed for children aged 3-10 and their families. It will provide interactive and educational experiences, including a range of LEGO play areas, rides, LEGO Master Model Builder classes, party rooms, a 4D cinema and a MINILAND. MINILAND areas are localised to each destination and there will be an opportunity for the local community to nominate local landmarks at a later date. Construction at the site is set to begin later this year. When completed, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Beijing will complement Merlin’s visitor leisure experiences in the city, with Madame Tussauds already in operation and Little BIG City due to open later this year. The Company also has a number of study agreements in place for LEGOLAND parks in China.

John Jakobsen, Chief New Openings Officer, said: “We are delighted to be introducing our latest offer in Beijing which will mark our thirteenth attraction in China. The country is an exciting and important market for Merlin as we increase the geographical diversification of our attractions and continue the Midway roll out that is set to accelerate this year, particularly in Asia.”

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For further information please contact: Media contacts Brunswick Group LLP +442074045959 Fiona Micallef-Eynaud / Imran Jina [email protected]

Related UK Government announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm- announces-new-uk-china-creative-and-cultural-collaboration

About Merlin Entertainments plc Merlin Entertainments plc is a global leader in location based, family entertainment. As Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 120 attractions, 15 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 25 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 c.29,000 employees (peak season). www.merlinentertainments.biz

About Midway attractions

‘Midway’ attractions are high quality, branded, indoor attractions, with a typical 1-2 hour dwell time, located in city centres, shopping malls or resorts. There are over 100 Midway attractions across 21 countries, with five established brands: SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, The Eye (observation attractions), The Dungeons and LEGOLAND Discovery Centres.

In China, Merlin currently operates eight Midway attractions, including:  Madame Tussauds Hong Kong  Madame Tussauds Shanghai  Chang Feng Ocean World (Shanghai)  Madame Tussauds Wuhan  Madame Tussauds Beijing  LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Shanghai  Madame Tussauds Chongqing  SEA LIFE Centre Chongqing

A LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Centre will also open in Shenyang in 2018.

About LEGOLAND Discovery Centres

Predominately aimed at families with young children ages 3-10, the LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre will offer a world of creativity, colour and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO® Playground. With features including global and local landmarks made from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks in the Miniland attraction, to fun and exciting LEGO themed rides. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre will also bring your favourite LEGO characters to life in the 4D Cinema and themed build and play areas where kids can let their imaginations run wild by creating endless possibilities with thousands of LEGO bricks. www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre.com