SeaWorld Entertainment Inc (NYSE:SEA) saw shares sink 3.87% in New York after it was confirmed the firm was not in takeover talks with UK-listed theme parks operator Merlin Entertainments PLC (LON:MERL) .
The latter issued the following statement: "We can confirm that Merlin is not involved in any discussions that might lead to an acquisition of SeaWorld or any of its constituent parts."
Last week, rumours of the possible move and press reports sent SeaWorld Entertainment Inc shares leaping.
But it has emerged that Merlin's corporate policy does not allow for the use of dolphins and whales on its properties, which would have kept it from ownership of SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio.
Those parks represent about half of SeaWorld’s revenue.
Shares of Seaworld today fell 3.87% to US$13.16, while Merlin shares in London are down 0.75% to stand at US$464.70p.