Europe's theme park design industry thrives on creativity, innovation, and technology to deliver memorable experiences. Companies range from design firms and construction groups to attraction manufacturers, each playing a crucial role in bringing magic to life in parks across the continent. The industry focuses on immersive storytelling, cutting-edge experiences, and environmental considerations, adapting to a shift toward sustainability and interactive attractions. As families seek unique entertainment, this market is evolving, incorporating virtual reality, thematic rides, and cross-industry collaboration to enhance visitor engagement, making the vision for future parks even more exciting and ambitious.


The list features a mix of corporate and private equity investors primarily headquartered in the UK and Spain, with a few based in Luxembourg and Sweden. These companies range in size from small firms to industry giants, all established between the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In 2024, they collectively completed numerous investments, highlighting their commitment to the theme park design sector. Companies like Crowdcube and Merlin Entertainments illustrate the focus on supporting innovative projects while fostering growth in a dynamic leisure landscape.


Top 11 Theme Park Design Investors in Europe


1. Parques Reunidos


Parques Reunidos is a corporate investor based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1967. The company operates a diverse portfolio of over 60 leisure parks, including amusement parks, water parks, zoos, and aquariums across Europe, North America, and Australia. Parques Reunidos focuses on providing memorable experiences for families and individuals while engaging in sustainable practices and community support. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Palace Entertainment, the largest operator of water parks and family entertainment centers in the U.S., for approximately $330 million in 2007, and the acquisition of the German theme park Belantis in 2018, aimed at enhancing their presence in the German market. These acquisitions highlight their active role in the theme park design and operation sector.


2. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. They focus on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the theme park design context, including a significant investment in ZipWorld, which raised over $57 million in 2019, and the acquisition of Away Resorts in 2015, a company that operates holiday parks and leisure facilities. Additionally, LDC has invested in Star Live and Imagine Nation, both of which are involved in the entertainment and attractions sector, further demonstrating their engagement in the theme park design industry.


3. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Notable transactions include Wake The Tiger, which raised $995,946 in 2022, and Cloud 9 Leisure, which raised $646,619 in 2020, both of which are relevant to the theme park and leisure sector. Additionally, the Eden Project, which raised $2,427,888 in 2014, is another significant project that aligns with the theme park design context. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting innovative leisure and entertainment projects.


4. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a leading investment firm specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Founded in 2005 and based in Luxembourg, CVC has made significant investments in various sectors, including leisure and entertainment. Notably, they invested in Merlin Entertainments, a key player in the theme park industry, in 2010, which highlights their engagement in this space. Additionally, their acquisition of Away Resorts for £250 million in 2021 reflects their interest in holiday parks, which often share characteristics with theme parks. These transactions demonstrate CVC's strategic focus on sectors that encompass theme park design and related leisure activities.


5. Merlin Entertainments


Merlin Entertainments is a leading entertainment company based in Poole, England, founded in 1999. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company operates a wide range of attractions and experiences worldwide, catering to families and individuals. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Gardaland, one of Italy's largest theme parks, for approximately €500 million, which expanded their portfolio to 37 attractions across 11 countries. In 2024, they acquired the Orlando Eye at ICON Park, further enhancing their presence in the theme park sector. Additionally, they have acquired Cadbury World and the COEX Aquarium, showcasing their strategy to diversify and enhance their attractions. These transactions highlight Merlin's commitment to creating memorable and immersive experiences, solidifying their role as a key investor in the theme park design industry.


6. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions that may intersect with the theme park design industry, including Kungsbergets Hotellfastighet, which raised funds for a hotel property, and Kittelfjall, which is associated with a ski resort. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in sectors that could relate to theme parks and recreational facilities, although they do not exclusively focus on theme park design.


7. Schroders

  • Website: schroders.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1804
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: schroders

Schroders plc is a prominent asset management firm founded in 1804, based in London, England. The firm provides a wide range of investment management and wealth management services, catering to high net worth individuals, family offices, and financial advisers. With a global presence, Schroders focuses on delivering sustainable returns and addressing the complexities of investment management. Notably, Schroders has been involved in significant transactions related to the theme park industry, including the acquisition of a portfolio of three hotels in Disneyland Paris for approximately €240 million. This acquisition, structured as a joint venture, includes the Dream Castle and Magic Circus hotels, highlighting their strategic interest in the hospitality sector linked to theme parks. Additionally, their acquisition of Square Enix Europe, while not directly related to theme parks, showcases their diverse investment portfolio and capability to engage in various sectors.


8. Permira

  • Website: permira.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has been involved in several transactions that highlight its interest in the entertainment and leisure sectors. For instance, in July 2024, Permira facilitated a significant debt financing round for F1 Arcade, raising approximately $130 million. This venture represents a blend of entertainment and gaming, aligning with the theme park design industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Away Resorts in 2017, a company that operates holiday parks, further demonstrates their engagement in leisure-related investments. While Permira's primary focus is not solely on theme parks, their strategic investments in related sectors suggest a potential interest in theme park design.


9. Barco

  • Website: barco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1934
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: barco

Barco NV, founded in 1934 and based in Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium, is a corporate investor specializing in digital projection and imaging solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, entertainment, and enterprise. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Barco has made significant strides in enhancing visualization and communication through innovative technology. Notably, Barco has acquired several companies that bolster its presence in the entertainment and theme park design sectors. For instance, the acquisition of Medialon Inc. in 2016 aimed to enhance product features and integrate functionalities into Barco's media networking platforms, which are essential for theme park attractions. Additionally, the acquisition of High End Systems in 2008 for USD 55 million reinforced Barco's leadership in video and lighting segments, crucial for creating engaging theme park experiences. Other relevant acquisitions include projectiondesign, which focuses on mid-venue projectors, and Element Labs, an LED video-systems company, both of which contribute to Barco's capabilities in delivering high-quality visual experiences in entertainment settings.


10. Beechbrook Capital


Beechbrook Capital is a London-based investment firm founded in 2008, specializing in private debt financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. The firm provides tailored financial solutions, including private equity buyouts and growth capital, to help businesses achieve their growth ambitions. Notably, Beechbrook Capital has been involved in several transactions relevant to the theme park design context, including a significant £8 million investment in Oxygen Freejumping, a trampoline park operator, which aims to expand its presence in the UK. Additionally, they have participated in debt financing for other leisure-related businesses such as MCM Comic Con and Leos Lekland, further demonstrating their engagement in the entertainment and leisure sectors.


11. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400M in assets and focus on impact-led investments aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their investment strategy targets innovative companies that address global challenges across various sectors. Notably, Future Planet Capital has invested in Simworx, a company known for its work in creating immersive attractions and experiences, which is directly relevant to the theme park design industry. Simworx has received funding from Future Planet Capital in multiple rounds, including a convertible note in March 2022 and earlier funding rounds in 2010 and 2013. This involvement indicates Future Planet Capital's interest in the theme park design sector, particularly in companies that enhance visitor experiences through innovative design and technology.



Theme Park Design Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Parques ReunidosMadrid, Madrid, Spain10001+19670
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
Merlin EntertainmentsPoole, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19991
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
SchrodersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000018044
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
BarcoKortrijk, Flanders, Belgium1001-500019341
Beechbrook CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020080
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157


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