Merlin Entertainments has revealed London is its preferred location for a planned initial public offering (IPO), following more than £1bn turnover in 2012.

At a presentation of its annual results on 27 March, the attractions operator revealed total visitor numbers were up 16 per cent on 2011 to 54m and revenue had risen 15 per cent to £1.074bn.

Speaking to Bloomberg news chief executive Nick Varney said he made no secret that the group's preference was to list in the UK - a move planned by 2014.

However, he said 20 per cent of all Merlin's business is in North America and all options would be considered.

As far back as 2007, Varney has announced several times that the group planned a market flotation but these have been delayed each time due to the poor economic climate.

Varney said 2012 was the 13th consecutive year the group had beat its profit target despite one of the "most challenging years" since Merlin was founded in 1999.

Challenges included the operator experiencing its wettest northern Europe weather ever, the Eurozone crisis in southern Europe and having to compete with London 2012 in the UK for its peak season.

It was also one of Merlins' most significant years of expansion with seven new attractions across Asia Pacific, North America and Northern Europe, bringing the group's portfolio to almost 100 attractions.

Varney said the group was committed to maintaining this momentum through 2013 and beyond with planned openings for the year including: Legoland Discovery Centres for Toronto, Germany and New York; Madame Tussauds in Tokyo, Japan; Sea Life Centre in Manchester; and a hotel for Legoland California.

US-based investment firm Blackstone Group acquired a majority share in the company in 2005 as a platform to make further acquisitions in the European attractions market in a deal worth £102.5m.

It shares ownership with CVC and Kirkbi.