Legoland seeks boost from buccaneers.

Byline: Jennifer Davies

Jan. 20--Hoping to attract a slew of new visitors, Legoland is spending $10 million to add a pirate-themed section to its Carlsbad amusement park.

The expansion, which will add four new water attractions, including two rides, is the first move by new Legoland owner the Blackstone Group, a private equity firm that bought a 70 percent stake in the park and the three other Legoland properties last year for $460 million.

Blackstone-owned Merlin Entertainment Group, which operates theme parks in eight European countries, will be in charge of Legoland's operations.

Nick Varney, Merlin's chief executive, said the expansion, …