Merlin Entertainments - operator of Weymouth Sealife is recommending a £5.9billion takeover deal.

Merlin is also the owner of the Jurassic Skyline tower on Weymouth Esplanade, as well as some of world’s most famous attractions including Alton Towers and Madame Tussauds.

It has accepted a takeover bid from the owners of Lego, but said it had not been seeking a buyer. However various potential buyers have been expressing an interest in purchasing the company, according to Merlin's chairman, Sir John Sunderland.

The offer from the Lego group was made jointly with a private equity giant and a Canadian pension fund. Merlin Entertainments said it plans to keep its head office in Poole following the takeover.

An announcement of the proposal said the bidder “does not intend to make any material changes in location of Merlin’s headquarters and headquarters functions”.

It said no changes were planned “with respect to the redeployment of Merlin’s fixed asset base, or the research and development functions of Merlin”, adding: “Furthermore, the consortium expects to keep open all existing Merlin attractions in the UK and is not intending to dispose of any material part of the Merlin business.”

The bidders have voiced their support for chief executive Nick Varney and his management team.

Merlin said it had rejected a number of previous takeover proposals. Its has attractions across the world, from Florida to Japan and Malaysia. These include eight Legoland parks, with a new one to open in Goshen, New York, in 2020.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “It’s an exciting development for the company and prepares it for future growth. It’s great to hear that it will be staying in Dorset.”

Merlin chairman Sir John Sunderland said: “Merlin is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment, with a unique portfolio of brands and attractions spanning 25 countries and four continents, and with a proven strategy that has delivered over many years.

“Following an unsolicited approach by a consortium of investors, and after rejecting a number of their proposals, the Merlin independent directors believe this offer represents an opportunity for Merlin shareholders to realise value for their investment in cash at an attractive valuation.”