Merlin Entertainments has announced the acquisition of Istanbul's Turkuazoo Aquarium from Dutch-based company Global Aquariums BV for an undisclosed sum.

The aquarium is Merlin’s first acquisition in Turkey’s largest city, which the attractions brand sees as a catalyst to potentially develop a ‘cluster’ of its global midway brands in the city.

The aquarium, which first opened in 2009, will have its displays and infrastructure upgraded to enhance the overall visitor experience.

Merlin owns and operates Sea Life, the largest aquarium brand in the world, which attracts around 14m visitors a year through its 45 aquariums and marine sanctuary attractions.

“Istanbul offers us both a very significant domestic market as well as a fast growing tourist trade and this wonderful site – big enough to be awe inspiring, but also very accessible for visitors,” said Glenn Earlam, managing director for Merlin Entertainments Midway Attractions. “Our objective is to work with the local team to add some additional ‘Merlin magic’ and underline its position as a world class aquarium and the must see attraction for the city.”

Merlin was recently named Britain’s Best Brand 2013 – an award which is linked to the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, a league table which ranks Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales.