Spooky figures: Profits slide at Merlin Entertainments despite higher sales

Merlin Entertainments, which owns a raft of leisure attractions including Edinburgh Dungeon and Alton Towers, has booked a rise in sales on good weather, but was knocked by a fall in profits. For the 26 weeks ending 30 June, Merlin’s revenue was up from £685 million to £694m. However, profit before tax was knocked 13.7 per cent year-on-year to £43m. Sales in Merlin’s theme parks grew 9.7 per cent, which the company attributed to good weather, successful investment and a recovery at Alton Towers, which was marred by a rollercoaster crash three years ago.