The company, which announced plans to float last month, said proceeds from the primary offering of £200m will be used to reduce its net debt and pay costs associated with the offer.

Merlin, which also owns Madame Tussauds, Legoland and the London Eye, said between 85% and 90% of the floated shares will be allocated to institutional investors. The rest will be available to the public through participating stockbrokers and share dealing providers.

The minimum application size for retail investors will be £1,000 and individual shareholders will be entitled to a 30% discount for one year on either two adult Merlin Annual Passes or one family Merlin Annual Pass.

Retail investors have until 5.00 p.m. on 8 November 2013 to apply.

Merlin is the second largest company of its kind in the world after Walt Disney, operating 99 attractions in 22 countries.