park, namely Gardaland. The Tussauds Group In 2007, Varney arranged for the purchase and merger of The Tussauds Group, owner of the Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attractions, for £1 billion. After the Tussauds acquisition, Dubai International Capital, the owners of the Tussauds Group, held 20% of Merlin Entertainment. The buyout and merger of The Tussauds Group was completed on 22 May 2007. With the completion of the merger, The Tussauds Group ceased to exist as a separate entity. The control of Madame Tussauds, London Eye, Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and Heide Park were passed to Merlin. On 17 July 2007, Varney executed a deal to sell the freeholds of Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle and Madame Tussauds to private investor Nick Leslau and his investment company, Prestbury. Although these sites were purchased by Leslau, they continue to be operated by Merlin, with each site leased on a renewable 35-year lease. Charity work Varney and Merlin Entertainments established Merlin's Magic Wand in 2006. The charity believes in putting the magic back into the childhoods of seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children. In July 2014, Brian House in Blackpool received a brand new minibus which transformed future outings for the hospice. Merlin's Magic Wand donated the specially adapted bus which was handed over by mascots from Merlin attractions: The Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussauds Blackpool and SEA LIFE Blackpool. The production costs of the specially designed carrier totalled over £50,000, with the vehicle being fitted with interactive features, including a DVD player, LED interchangeable lights and a Star Cloth ceiling in the hope of creating special and memorable experiences for young patients. In March 2015, new sensory changing rooms, designed to ease disabled children into the swimming pool environment, were opened at Victoria Education Centre in Poole. The new facilities were created and funded by the charity and enable disabled students to adjust from the outside world to the swimming pool with interactive flooring and atmospheric lighting. References External links 1962 births Living people Alumni of the London School of Economics English chief executives Merlin Entertainments Group