Merlin Entertainments, owner of Brighton Sea Life Centre, has announced its best Easter visitor numbers in five years.

The group, which opened two Sea Life centres in Germany last year, recorded a ten per cent rise to 5.5 million visitors.

Merlin, which also owns the Dungeons in London and York, increased turnover by 16 per cent from £29.3 million to £34 million last year.

The group said it was pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, with more attractions opening this year.

In February, Merlin completed a £72.5 million management buyout from JP Morgan and Apax Partners with the backing of Hermes Private Equity.

Tuesday April 20, 2004