Merlin Entertainments, which also runs Alton Towers, Warwick Castle and Legoland Windsor, is facing the threat of legal proceedings from Experian, a FTSE 100 listed company, amid a dispute over debt.

The company branded Experian’s actions ‘wholly inappropriate’ and said the company will apply to have the petition thrown out.

Winding up petitions can lead to the liquidation of a company if the debt is not paid.

A Merlin Entertainments spokesperson said: ‘Experian’s claim, regarding a very small debt, is completely disputed, and as such a winding up petition for our subsidiary is wholly inappropriate. We will be applying to set the petition aside.

‘Merlin Entertainments has a 20-year track record as a highly cash generative company, and supportive owners. Our 2021 audited accounts show a strong recovery from the pandemic.’