Merlin Entertainments: General Discussion

[Thameslink Rail]

Thanks, but it's behind a paywall, so can't read it.

In short, Merlin Attractions Operations has been sent a winding up petition over unpaid debts to Experian. Merlin say that the winding up petition was "wholly inappropriate" for what they call a small debt and they are applying to have it thrown out. The article goes on to discuss Merlin's history and assets, and the process behind a winding up petition.

 

[Dave]

I suspect it’s just brinkmanship to get a debt repaid, I doubt they will actually be forced to wind-up.

 

[Skyscraper]

In short, Merlin Attractions Operations has been sent a winding up petition over unpaid debts to Experian. Merlin say that the winding up petition was "wholly inappropriate" for what they call a small debt and they are applying to have it thrown out. The article goes on to discuss Merlin's history and assets, and the process behind a winding up petition.

What's the process, if you don't mind elaborating?

Edit: Just found this free-to-read article which explains the process;

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/101087#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20winding%20up,although%20others%20can%20also%20petition).

 

[Thameslink Rail]

In essence this is a 'pay us or we will take you to court' letter at this stage, only if Merlin can't or don't pay up they may take this further.

 

[Skyscraper]

In essence this is a 'pay us or we will take you to court' letter at this stage, only if Merlin can't or don't pay up they may take this further.

Not quite, according to the article it's usually a last resort for creditors as it is expensive.

 

[Craig]

I mean they're expensive on the face of it, but to a company like Experian who's worth over $30bn it's literal pocket change. As Dave says it's brinksmanship, as issuing the winding up petition means things have to go public, whereas other methods aren't as publicised. It'll get sorted without it going to a winding up order.

 

[WillPS]

What do Merlin use Experian's services for?

 

[Craig]

What do Merlin use Experian's services for?

Credit checks on suppliers, ID checks for payments, right to work checks for employees, customer data auditing and analytics. There's loads of stuff they do beyond credit reports these days, so could be a multitude of things.

 

[WillPS]

Credit checks on suppliers, ID checks for payments, right to work checks for employees, customer data auditing and analytics. There's loads of stuff they do beyond credit reports these days, so could be a multitude of things.

Thank you. I thought it could be something along the lines of the first one but hadn't thought of the others.

 

[MaxPower]

It's about time someone started a petition, Merlin have been winding us up for years.

 

[AT86]

I imagine the big spending from Merlin to Experian will be marketing data.

 

[Jb85]

A credit reference agency would only report. They wouldn't issue the winding up position.

To be fairnits probably something of nothing. A small invoice missed can lead to this

 

[Skyscraper]

A credit reference agency would only report. They wouldn't issue the winding up position.

To be fairnits probably something of nothing. A small invoice missed can lead to this

The next step would be it going to court for the judge to decide whether to approve it.
Doubt It'll get that far though.

 

[AT86]

A credit reference agency would only report. They wouldn't issue the winding up position.

To be fairnits probably something of nothing. A small invoice missed can lead to this

In this case the credit reference agency is issuing the winding up petition, because that is who Merlin owe the money to.

 

[Jb85]

In this case the credit reference agency is issuing the winding up petition, because that is who Merlin owe the money to.

Why on earth would merlin need experian.

But your all right apologies

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.ci...an/?author_month=6-2019&author_year=All&amp=1

 

[Thameslink Rail]

Why on earth would merlin need experian.

Craig explained this earlier:

Credit checks on suppliers, ID checks for payments, right to work checks for employees, customer data auditing and analytics. There's loads of stuff they do beyond credit reports these days, so could be a multitude of things.

 

[Jb85]

Craig explained this earlier:

Thanks- I work in the industry so knew that. I just didn't really think their spend would be that sizeable.

Turns out it's not when you read the article

 

[Skyscraper]

Apparently, the petition has been served against Merlin Attraction Operations LTD, not the Group.

 

[imanautie]

Apparently, the petition has been served against Merlin Attraction Operations LTD, not the Group.

Not sure that means too much, if I'm not mistaken nearly the entire UK business runs under that entity anyway

 

[Islander]

Not sure that means too much, if I'm not mistaken nearly the entire UK business runs under that entity anyway

That's not correct no, a large chunk of it does, but there're plenty of other operational subsidiaries in the UK.