Madame Tussauds owner Merlin slapped with winding up petition

The owner of Madame Tussauds and London Dungeons has been slapped with a winding up petition. 

Merlin Entertainments faces court proceedings due to a dispute over debt with Experian, the FTSE 100 listed credit company. 

A winding up petition sees unpaid creditors take legal action against the company owing them funds. 

Double trouble: Merlin Entertainments owns Madame Tussauds where the wax figures of Harry and Meghan (pictured) are among those on display

A spokesman for Merlin branded Experian’s actions ‘wholly inappropriate’ and said it will apply to have the petition thrown out. 

The spokesman said: ‘Merlin Entertainments has a 20-year track record as a highly cash generative company, and supportive owners. 

‘Our 2021 audited accounts show a strong recovery from the pandemic.’ 

The petition has been served on Merlin Attractions Operations Limited, rather than the group.  Winding up petitions can lead to the liquidation of a company if the debt is not paid. 

But they are also used as a tactic in a dispute where liquidation is unlikely. Supplier disputes are expected to pick up pace when the country enters recession.