Merlin Entertainments plc enjoyed a positive year in 2013, with the attractions company reporting like-for-like revenue growth of 6.7 per cent.

Merlin, which saw a successful launch on the London Stock Exchange in November, also posted an overall year-on-year visitor increase of 10.9 per cent across its range of attractions.

Other figures show a jump in EBITDA from £346m (US$575m, €421m) in 2012 to £390m (US$648m, €474m) by the end of last year, as well as an operating profit increase of 12.3 per cent.

The company has invested £95m (US$158m, €115m) in its estate and says this has underpinned its growth.

In addition, Merlin cites the successful roll-outs of its midway attractions across the world last year, with further openings due in the next couple of years.

“With seven new attractions in 2013, we're making good progress towards our stated long-term aim of a geographically diversified business, generating revenues equally across Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific,” said CEO Nick Varney.

“At the same time, we delivered on our long-standing objective of becoming a publicly listed company.

“The flotation of Merlin has given us the platform for the next stage of development and we're better placed to continue to build this robust, diversified business, based on our iconic attractions and determination to deliver memorable days out for our millions of visitors in 22 countries, across four continents.”

Merlin's expansion will continue with the launch of Shrek’s Far Far Away Adventure, a strategic alliance with DreamWorks. The two companies will collaborate on the new midway brand – defined by Merlin as a mid-scale branded attraction.

Six attractions will open over nine years in international city locations, with the first to debut in London during summer 2015.